Effect of graphene on tribology, mechanical, and thermal properties of flax/E‐glass/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites have received significant attention in the tribology and mechanical application due to their exceptional wear resistance, which cannot be expected in polymers. This study, involves preparation and fabrication of graphene hybrid (flax/E-glass/epoxy) fiber-reinforced polymer (HFRP) composites using compression molding. A study of the effect of graphene on the microhardness and wear behavior of HFRP composites was made using pin-on-disk tests at three different loads of 5, 10, and 15 N as per ASTM standards. Compared to HFRP composites, graphene in HFRP composites exhibits a distinguished enhancement in thermal stability, microhardness and tribological performance due to the formation of strong covalent bonds between graphene and epoxy matrix. Surface features were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The addition of graphene (0.0-1.2 wt%) to the matrix, especially 0.6 wt% of graphene in HFRP composites revealed extraordinary tribological properties, with a 35% decrease in the friction coefficient and wear rate under abrasive wear conditions. The result of the graphene in HFRP composites looks promising in wear-resistant materials and other highperformance areas in the automobile and aerospace industry.

Stiffness enhancement of polymer nanocomposites via graphene nanoplatelet orientation

“…However, challenges such as dispersion, orientation, and surface modification hinder graphene nanocomposites from fully meeting anticipated potential for intricate structural uses. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] In the course of this research, the initial segment 22 focused on addressing the dispersion and spatial orientation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to optimize the advantages of nano-reinforcement in epoxy (nanocomposites). A mathematical framework was developed to optimize alignment parameters for GNPs and magnetite particles attached to graphene nanoplates (Fe 3 O 4 -GNPs) under a weak DC magnetic field in epoxy.…”

“…The unique features of graphene contribute to the remarkable enhancement of the mechanical properties of these composites, making them promising materials for diverse industrial applications, from aerospace to automotive and construction sectors. However, challenges such as dispersion, orientation, and surface modification hinder graphene nanocomposites from fully meeting anticipated potential for intricate structural uses 13–21 …”

Improvement in alkali‐resistance of basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer by Ti3C2TX (MXene) modified matrix

“…Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are currently prevailing as reliable structural materials for diverse applications ranging from aerospace to civil structure owing to its merits of light weight, high strength, high rigidity, excellent impact resistance, and fatigue resistance. [1][2][3][4] Due to its exceptional mechanical and ecologically favorable qualities, basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) stands out among the current FRP contenders. [4][5][6][7] However, most current studies on FRP composites pay attention to mechanical, thermal, and/or electrical performance, while the long-term durability of FRP materials in corrosive environments is not well studied.…”

Designing a 3D structure and a self‐healing technique for advanced polymer composites with outstanding mechanical properties and healing ability

“…Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are widely used in ship hull, airframe, automotive, and wind turbine structural applications due to their high specific strength and stiffness. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] However, because of the low matrix toughness and the poor interfacial interaction between fiber and matrix, FRPs are more susceptible to defects and damages, leading to rapid growth cracks and the delamination behaviors and shortening the service life of FRPs. [11][12][13] Therefore, improving the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of FRPs and healing the damage are key issues for enhancing the service life of composites.…”