Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites at Low Graphene Content Based on In Situ Ball Milling

In this study, epoxy-based nanocomposites with low content mechanically exfoliated graphene were successfully prepared via one-step in situ ball milling method. The effect of graphene on mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. The results showed that samples with loadings less than 0.1% weight of mechanically exfoliated graphene increased by 160% in tensile strength and 65% in Young's modulus. The experimental value of Young's modulus was also compared with the predictions of the well-established Halpin-Tsai model. In addition, the adding of graphene did not decrease the impact strength of epoxy. The microstructural results showed that the as-prepared graphenes were single-and few-layer graphene sheets and preserved perfect structure. Thus enhancements of mechanical properties in the nanocomposites could be ascribed to the strong interfacial interaction between the stiff graphene nanosheets and the epoxy matrix. (C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers