The principal aim of this work is to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of graphene oxide reinforced epoxy composites. Surface modification was carried out by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) with aqueous solution method. Surface modified graphene oxide was mixed in epoxy matrix by sonication process and composites were prepared by compression moulding technique. Three different formats: graphene (G), graphene oxide (GO) and APTS graphene oxide (APTS-GO) were incorporated respectively in an epoxy matrix to form composites. The tensile and impact tests show that the surface modified graphene oxide reinforced epoxy composites gives better results than unmodified graphene oxide reinforced epoxy composites. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that the dispersion of the surface modified graphene oxide on epoxy matrix was better at high frequency sonication than unmodified graphene oxide on epoxy system. The thermal properties of composites were analysed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC).

Ceramic composites is playing crucial role to accomplish highly efficiently and cost effective equipment for aerospace industry. The instigation of ceramics into aircraft industry is a promising step towards virtuous future. Ceramics has a key role in innovation of highly competent material for space travel which is highly economical and environmentally sustainable. Advancement in making fuel efficient engines are necessity in present scenario due to the harmful emissions releases in the environment by burning of fuel to power up engine. The high temperature application of composites makes it very attractive for aerospace applications. This light weight material has potential to thrust spacecraft upto ten times quicker with the identical fuel consumption, therefore significantly depreciating size of vehicle and increasing travel distance. The implementation of ceramics into jet engines and turbines increase the efficiency of engine due to its lighter weight and better thermal capabilities. A jet engine employing ceramic composites has manifest 15% more fuel saving when compared to the simple nickel based alloys. Hence, ceramic composites can replace nickel based alloys which has been a promising candidate for the engines of commercial aircrafts. Some disadvantages has been also discussed that is brittle failure and limited thermal and shock resistance.