Tensile and flexural behavior of graphene-reinforced carbon/epoxy composites manufactured via compression molding method

Graphene's unique characteristics have piqued a great deal of academic and industrial curiosity. Its potential as a composite material reinforcement is the subject of intensive study. When it comes to reinforcing fillers, graphene stands head and shoulders above the rest due to its remarkable thermal, electrical, and mechanical capabilities. Epoxy resin, is widely used in a variety of industrial processes, including the production of laminates, coatings, and composites due to its processing simplicity, its tenacious adhesion to substance types, and its resistance to chemical agents. The performance of the composite relies on how the graphene nanoparticles are dispersed and interact with the polymer. Graphene-enhanced composites use a variety of methods, such as dispersing graphene in a polymer matrix, to incorporate the material into its structure. Composites find their most common use in competitive situations settings where elements like mass and mechanical characteristics are prioritized over economic consideration. The use of carbon fiber and other state-of-the-art fibers in composite structures is becoming increasingly common. This study aims to conduct an experimental analysis of a graphene-reinforced epoxy composite's flexural and tensile properties containing varying amounts graphene. In this study, a multi-step procedure was designed to ensure uniform distribution graphene. The results of a study on tensile and flexural strength showed good enhancement at a weight percent of G0.6% compared to clean epoxy.Highlights The novel method of manufacturing of graphene enhanced composite sheet. The lower weight fraction of graphene gives good results in terms of mechanical properties. Improvement in tensile strength by 53.35% and flexural test occurs of 8.04% in stress value at 0.6 wt% addition of Graphene Tensile Modulus and flexural modulus improvement of 76.26% and 16.87% respectively at 0.6% of wt. of graphene Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed promising results which shows existing of functionalized groups of amines. Scanning electron microscopy revealed graphene's interaction with the polymer matrix at the interface. Manufacturing process of graphene reinforced composite with test results. image