Improved Performance of an Epoxy Matrix as a Result of Combining Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene

Abstract

We present an easy and effective way to improve the mechanical properties of an epoxy matrix by reinforcing it with a combination of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). These nanocomposites were prepared with different load of nanofillers: 0.1, 0.4, 0.7, 1.0 wt% and a neat epoxy. Ratios of graphene oxide and reduced graphene (GO : RGO) employed were: 0 : 1, 0.25 : 0.75, 0.5 : 0.5, 0.75 : 0.25, and 1 : 0. Results show that with only 0.4 wt% and a ratio 0.2 : 0.75 of GO : RGO, tensile strength and tensile toughness are 52% and 152% higher than neat epoxy while modulus of elasticity was improved~20%. The obtained results suggest that it is possible achieve advantageous properties by combining graphene in oxidized and reduced conditions as it shows a synergic effect by the presence of both nanofillers.

Effect of seawater ageing on interlaminar fracture toughness of carbon fiber/epoxy composites containing carbon nanofillers

“…70230) following a procedure previously reported in Ramos-Galicia et al. 40 Unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy prepreg (DA 409U/G35-150) used to fabricate the composite laminates were acquired from Adhesive Prepregs for Composite Manufacturers (Connecticut, USA). Ethanol obtained from J.T.…”

Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Graphene-Epoxy Nanocomposites—A Review

“…The literature shows an absence of consensus on the role of graphene in improving other mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Some authors reported significant improvement in the mechanical properties of nanocomposites reinforced with GNPs [ 150 , 151 , 152 , 153 , 154 ]. On the other hand, there was no significant effect due to the incorporation of GNPs into epoxy matrix [ 155 , 156 , 157 , 158 ], and even worse, the mechanical properties deteriorated by the addition of GNPs [ 159 , 160 , 161 , 162 , 163 ].…”

The Preparation of Graphene Reinforced Poly(vinyl alcohol) Antibacterial Nanocomposite Thin Film

“…Polymer nanocomposites are one of these novel nanomaterials which have advantages not only in the reinforcement due to the high area to volume ratio, but also in the physical and engineering properties including fire retardancy, barrier resistance, and conductivity [3][4][5][6][7][8]. Therefore, various polymer nanocomposites have been developed aiming at different applications such as conductivity enhancement and mechanical improvements [5][6][7][8][9][10].…”