Effect of functionalized graphene nanoplatelet dispersion on thermal and electrical properties of hybrid carbon fiber reinforced aviation epoxy laminated composite

Carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) alone cannot meet the increasing requirements of the aerospace industry. Therefore, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) dispersed homogeneously in the matrix offer unique advantages. This study aimed to increase the thermal and electrical properties by adding functionalized GNPs (f f-GNP) to the aviation epoxy matrix (Araldite LY5052) in CFRP at different rates (neat- 0.5-1-1.5 wt%) for the first time and to provide homogeneous dispersion with surfactant. The results showed that FGNP as an additive achieved significant homogeneity. While the glass transition temperature (Tg) g ) in the neat composite is 121 degrees C, it is 123 degrees C, 127 degrees C and 133 degrees C in nanocomposites with 0.5-1-1.5 wt% additives, respectively. In addition, the melting point is 366 degrees C in the neat composite and 368.6 degrees C, 370 degrees C, and 370.3 degrees C in the nanocomposites with 0.5-1-1.5 wt% additives, respectively. The oxygen groups in the additive increased the energy barrier, thus increasing the percolation threshold. There was a 50 % increase in electrical conductivity in the sample with 0.5 wt% doping with bulk current density and an 18 % increase with 1 wt% doping with surface current density. Meanwhile, the it-it bonds formed by the surfactant with GNPs and the hydrogen bonds formed with the matrix served as a bridge by filling the gaps in the interphase, significantly increasing the flow of heat and electricity.