Effect of graphene nanoplatelet filling on mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites

In this study, the mechanical properties of plain woven jute-epoxy composite materials were investigated after filling graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in different proportions. The time dependent changes in the viscosity and temperature of unfilled epoxy resin, with 0.5, 1 and 2 wt.-% graphene nanoplatelets filled epoxy resins were observed. Woven jute reinforced unfilled, 0.5 wt.-% GNPs filled and 1 wt.-% GNPs filled epoxy composite plates were produced by using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) at the same waiting and processing times. Specimens were prepared and subjected to tensile and flexural tests according to ASTM D 3039 and ASTM D 790 standards, respectively. Images were taken and evaluated with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in areas where tensile damage occurred. It was observed that the gap amount between the fiber and the matrix increased and the interface adhesion decreased as the fill amount increased in the composites produced. The testing results indicated that the tensile and flexural properties of composites decreased at 0.5 wt.-% and 1 wt.-% during the GNPs loading as compared to unfilled composites.