Graphene Nanoplatelets Inclusion Effects on Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Carbon/Glass Composites

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to examine the impact of Graphene Nanoparticles (GNPs) on the mechanical and Charpy impact characteristics of carbon fiber/epoxy, glass fiber/epoxy, and their hybrid composite laminates across various laminate configurations. GNPs were uniformly dispersed in the epoxy matrix at different weight fractions of 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5%wt. Experimental assessments encompassing flexural, tensile, and Charpy impact evaluations were carried out both with and without the incorporation of GNPs as reinforcing agents in the fabricated specimens. Upon introducing GNPs at a loading level of 0.1 wt.%, the experimental findings demonstrated a notable enhancement in the mechanical and impact properties of the hybrid composite laminates as a result of integrating GNPs into the epoxy matrix. This increase in strength can be ascribed to the development of a strong interfacial bond among the fibers, epoxy, and GNPs.