Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Graphene/Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Hierarchical Polymer Composites

Abstract

Conventional carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) have extensively been used as structural elements in a myriad of sectors due to their superior mechanical properties, low weight and ease of processing. However, the relatively weak compression and interlaminar properties of these composites limit their applications. Interest is, therefore, growing in the development of hierarchical or multiscale composites, in which, a nanoscale filler reinforcement is utilized to alleviate the existing limitations associated with the matrix-dominated properties. In this work, the fabrication and characterization of hierarchical composites are analyzed through the inclusion of graphene to conventional CFRP by vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding.

Epoxy Nanocomposites Filled with Carbon Nanoparticles

“…To date, several strategies have been used to disperse nanoparticles in epoxy matrices, such as ultrasonic methods, low and high shear mixing and functionalization of the nanoparticles. From personal experience and in agreement with other authors, shear‐mixing involving a three‐roll mill or calender (Figure ) has been the most effective method to achieve a homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers into resins …”

“…This method involves passing the mixture through the gaps of parallel contra‐rotating rollers at different angular velocities, which exert uniform high shear forces and favor the homogenization of the mixture. Vazquez‐Moreno established an optimal processing protocol with three cycles where the roll gap decreased progressively while increasing their speed and cycle time. Such protocol included the observation of the liquid suspensions by optical microscopy to discriminate the best dispersion state.…”

Analysis of mechanical, thermal, electrical andEMIshielding properties of graphite/carbon fiber reinforced polypropylene composites prepared via a twin screw extruder

“…It was observed that graphite and CF‐based composites alone do not meet all aspects of different properties 27 . Numerous researches have been conducted for EMI shielding of graphite and carbon fiber‐based polymer composites.…”

A Review Paper on Graphene Coated Fibres

“…Sonication process is used to obtain graphene from graphite in solvents in liquid-phase exfoliation. Layers of graphene is present in graphite which are held together by Vander Waals forces [30]. These forces can be overcome if the solvent having surface tension near 40 -50 mJ/m 2 range are used for example DMF (N,N-Dimethylformamide) and ODCB (ortho-dichlorobenzene).…”