Title: Study of Flexural Performance in Epoxy/Fiber Glass Composites by the Inclusion of Graphene-Related Additives

Authors: Pralhad Lamichhane, Lynsey Baxter, Ashley Hart, Kevin Keith, Mahdi Ghazizadeh

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.24.0315

Abstract: In the past two decades since the first study of the isolation of graphene, the singular layer of carbon material and its multi-layered siblings have seen significant focus in academic and industrial research and development in composites. One of the primary areas of interest is the role these materials can fill as additives which can be utilized to significantly enhance the performance of fiber-reinforced composites. However, despite numerous studies reporting successful incorporation of graphene-related materials into thermoset or thermoplastic composites resulting in mechanical, electrical, and thermal property improvements, few studies have sought to investigate the morphology and surface chemistries of commercially available graphene-related additives and how these attributes influence resultant composite properties. This study aims to investigate this relationship by procuring distinct graphene-related additives available on the market, characterizing them using a variety of techniques, and creating and performing mechanical testing on resultant composites. A Laser Diffraction Particle Size Distribution Analyzer (LPSA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) were used in the evaluation of these products. The results of these characterization techniques were compared to the product descriptions provided by their respective manufacturers. Epoxy/fiber glass mat composites were created with a low loading of each additive and underwent 3-point bending testing. Results from these tests revealed that additives which possess higher numbers of functional groups on the additive surfaces had significantly higher flexural modulus and strength compared to neat composite samples. Additionally, the variation in additive loading and base resin formulation was examined. The results contribute to the understanding that these additives require more consideration than simple implementation to find maximum success in industrial markets.

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Conference: CAMX 2024 | San Diego CA

Publication Date: 2024/9/9

SKU: TP24-0000000315

Pages: 12

Price: $24.00