The Reinforcing Effect of Graphene on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon-Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are novel nanofillers holding attractive characteristics, including vigorous compatibility with majority polymers, outstanding mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. In this study, the outstanding GNPs filler was reinforced to the epoxy matrix and carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composite slabs to enrich their mechanical properties. Graphene nanoplatelets of 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 weight percentages were integrated into the epoxy and the physico-mechanical (microstructure, density, tensile, flexural and impact strength) properties were investigated. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of unfilled and 1 wt% GNPs filled carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composite slabs were investigated. Subsequently, noteworthy improvement in the mechanical properties was conquered for the carbon fabric/epoxy hybrid composites.