Fabrication and Mechanical Performance of Graphene Nanoplatelet/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are promising alternatives for the traditional carbon steel pipes used in the oil and gas industry due to their corrosion and chemical resistance. However, the out-of-plane mechanical properties of GFRPs still need further improvement to achieve this goal. Hence, in this work, two methods combining either vacuum mixing or spray coating with vacuum-assisted resin infusion were studied to fabricate graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)/GFRP hybrid composites. The former method resulted in a severe filtering effect, where the GNPs were not evenly distributed throughout the final composite, whereas the latter process resulted in a uniform GNP distribution on the glass fabrics. The addition of GNPs showed no modest contribution to the tensile performance of the GFRP composites due to the relatively high volume and in-plane alignment of the glass fibers. However, the GNPs did improve the flexural properties of GFRP with an optimal loading of 0.15 wt% GNPs, resulting in flexural strength and modulus increases of 6.8 and 1.6%, respectively. This work indicates how GNPs can be advantageous for out-of-plane mechanical reinforcement in fiber-reinforced composites.

Effect of graphene nano-platelets on the low-velocity-impact and compression-after-impact strength of the glass fiber epoxy composite laminates

“…It is observed from previous studies that by adding the nano-fillers into the matrix material of the composites, a great enhancement in the mechanical properties of the material can be achieved. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The review articles 3,11 suggest that GNPs can be a great alternative to Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) in terms of performance and cost. Graphene nanoplatelets have emerged as a promising reinforcement for glass fiber-reinforced composites due to their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties.…”

Experimental investigation on mechanical performance of PVC foam‐based E‐glass isophthalic polyester composites

“…11 By incorporating these fillers, the composite gains increased strength, improved insulation properties, and enhanced resistance to impact and vibration. 12 The mass transit industry, particularly in the marine sector, has a significant interest in sandwich constructions to achieve weight-saving objectives. 13 This yields numerous advantages across the marine structure's lifecycle, including reduced fuel consumption, streamlined construction, increased volume, higher payload capacity, improved stability, less building material, and cost-effective shipping.…”

“…13 This yields numerous advantages across the marine structure's lifecycle, including reduced fuel consumption, streamlined construction, increased volume, higher payload capacity, improved stability, less building material, and cost-effective shipping. 12,14 Isophthalic and orthophthalic polyesters, along with glass or carbon fibers, are commonly used resin materials in marine applications. 15 In a study conducted by Salleh et al, 16 syntactic foam core sandwich panels were investigated, comprising glass fiber-reinforced polymer skin and glass microballoons with varying weight percentages of glass microballoon contents.…”

“…To enhance the composite's physical and mechanical properties, fillers like PU foam, Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) foam, rubber foam, and others are often added to the honeycomb core voids, improving overall performance 11 . By incorporating these fillers, the composite gains increased strength, improved insulation properties, and enhanced resistance to impact and vibration 12 . The mass transit industry, particularly in the marine sector, has a significant interest in sandwich constructions to achieve weight‐saving objectives 13 .…”

“…The mass transit industry, particularly in the marine sector, has a significant interest in sandwich constructions to achieve weight‐saving objectives 13 . This yields numerous advantages across the marine structure's lifecycle, including reduced fuel consumption, streamlined construction, increased volume, higher payload capacity, improved stability, less building material, and cost‐effective shipping 12,14 . Isophthalic and orthophthalic polyesters, along with glass or carbon fibers, are commonly used resin materials in marine applications 15 …”