An investigation on the reinforcement mechanism of the nano‐sized carbonaceous filled epoxy‐glass fiber hybrid‐composites through analysis of fracture surfaces

Abstract

The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of delamination degree of the graphite on the mechanical properties of glass fiber/epoxy composite. To aim this, graphene and highly expanded graphite (HEG) nanofillers were synthesized using intensive ultrasonic method and were added to the epoxy and also glass fiber/epoxy composite, separately. Subsequently, tensile, flexural and impact strength of prepared samples were studied. Furthermore, the lateral size and dispersion quality of synthesized fillers in the epoxy matrix was inspected through using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical results demonstrated an enhancement by addition of both synthesized nanofillers to both nanocomposites and hybrid‐composites. Highest increment rate of tensile strength was related to the nanocomposites containing 0.5 wt% nanofillers in which 61 and 51% enhancement for graphene nanoplate and highly expanded graphite loaded samples, respectively, was observed compared with the neat epoxy. It was found that, degree of delamination and dispersion of graphite platelets has a fundamental influence on the mechanical properties. In addition, fracture surface of epoxy nanocomposites and hybrid‐composites were inspected to study the toughening mechanism. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2460–E2471, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effects of adding different concentrations of block copolymers in epoxy matrix nanocomposites with carbon allotropic nanoparticles

“…Thus, considering that the GNP platelets are well adhered to the matrix, crack propagation through the matrix is relatively difficult, and a higher surface interaction and more energy will be dissipated for fracture continuity. [ 64 ]…”

“…They verified that, with the growth of the crack, the system with a weak platelet/matrix and platelet/platelet interface will present the GNP debonding mechanisms and also the GNP sheet delamination, respectively, [ 39,49 ] since delamination predominantly occurs in systems with agglomerates. [ 39,64,66 ]…”

The role of carbon nanoparticles in epoxy‐based nanocomposites modified with (poly[polypropylene oxide]‐block‐poly[ethylene oxide]‐block‐poly[propylene oxide]) triblock copolymers on phase morphology and mechanical properties

“…In addition to block copolymers, carbon nanoparticles can be used to improve the mechanical properties of epoxy resins and, in particular, their toughness. [ 10–12 ] The nanoparticles used in this research (carbon nanotubes [CNTs], graphene, and carbon black) were chosen because they are the most studied nanoparticles in the literature [ 10–17 ] and they are mainly composed of carbon, only changing geometry.…”

Investigating the mechanical, morphological, and thermal behavior of PA‐6/SAN/MWCNT blends: Application of Taguchi experimental design

“…Incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer blends has been the subject of a great number of researches in academia and industry. This approach is associated with interesting results such as improving the mechanical properties, adding new characteristics, such as electrical properties, or controlling of the phase morphology . For example, Elias et al reported that silica nanoparticles induced a decrease in the effective interfacial tension between polypropylene (PP) and ethylene vinyl acetate phases and thereby a lower particle size for dispersed phase .…”

“…This approach is associated with interesting results such as improving the mechanical properties, adding new characteristics, such as electrical properties, or controlling of the phase morphology. [8][9][10][11][12][13][14] For example, Elias et al reported that silica nanoparticles induced a decrease in the effective interfacial tension between polypropylene (PP) and ethylene vinyl acetate phases and thereby a lower particle size for dispersed phase. [15] In another work, Palacios et al concluded that the fine-tuned morphology of the PP/polyamide-6 (PA-6) blends with enhanced ductility and barrier properties can be obtained at an optimum content of nanosilica and compatibilizer.…”