MECHANICAL PROPERTIES RESEARCH OF CARBON FIBRE COMPOSITES INCORPORATING NANOCLAY AND GRAPHENE

Study purpose is to determine the interactions between the widely-used graphene and nanoclay on carbon fiber composite materials. They are produced using the vacuum infusion method by reinforcing the nanoclay and graphene, which have a montmorillonite structure organized at various ratios via homogenizer, into the resin that is to be applied to carbon fiber layers. Eczacibasi EsanNANO 1-140 was used as nanoclay, and GRAFEN NG5 of the Nanografi Co. Ltd. was used as graphene. The graphene ratio was kept constant by taking reference from antecedent studies. Tensile test was applied to the produced samples. Graphene in the resin is expected to increase the saturation in the layers and improve mechanical properties. After nanoclay ratio exceeds a certain limit, it acts negatively rather than positively in the tensile test, their cracked roads are then rendered easier to traverse by them combining. This is why there is a certain bell-shaped curve in the strain values measured in samples. The result that gives the optimum values is sought after. Additionally, there are studies previously conducted with polymer matrix composite, from which samples that could reach to certain strains or to higher yield stress values in certain intervals are obtained. By increasing the strength and toughness of the graphene and nanoclay resin, they gain more rigidity, which raises an expectation of increment to be observed in the yield and tensile strengths.