Tensile performance of graphene nanoplatelets/glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposite laminae

In this paper, the tensile performance of hand lay-up produced graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced E-glass fabric/epoxy nanocomposite laminae was investigated. The GNPs contents tested were ranging from 1% w.t. to 5% w.t., using an increasing step of 1%. Two different types of E-glass fabric, i.e. Twill 2X2 and Uni-Directional, were used to produce the tested nanocomposite laminae. The tensile response of the produced nanocomposites is being explained by an inter-yarn friction mechanism which takes place at the weaving nodes and it is controlled by the GNPs content in each specimens' series as well as by the settling of the GNPs onto the surface of the fiberglass fibrils. The analysis showed that the GNPs were located on the fibrils' surfaces and not in the inter-fibril regions, applying in this manner a direct effect on the frictional behavior of the specimens. The greater the number of weaving nodes of the fabric used is, the greater additional friction is applied due to a specific GNPs content addition. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.