Graphene/epoxy nanocomposites for improved fracture toughness: A focused review on toughening mechanism

Researchers commend various carbon-based nanomaterials including graphene for their two-dimensional (2D) planar structure, functionalization abilities, high surface area, and outstanding mechanical,electrical, and thermal properties. The research community has witnessed tremendous development in graphene-based nanocomposites for their remarkable role in improving mechanical properties. Some recent developments in graphene/epoxy nanocomposites that are pertinent to their fracture toughness have been covered in this review. This review offers a useful database for various percentages of graphene in epoxy composites and their subsequent effect on fracture toughness for the further innovation in the proposed area. It was discovered that the total fracture toughness of graphene/epoxy composites improved thanks to the large deformation zone generated in graphene/epoxy composites, crack pinning, and crack deflections. It is expected that this review would offer a deep understanding to develop highly tough graphene/epoxy nanocomposites for a variety of prevailing applications including (but not limited to) aircraft structures, automotive, smart sensors, biomedical, construction and energy storage.