Mechanical performance and thermal stability of modified epoxy nanocomposite with low loading of graphene platelets

Abstract

In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) of 0.2%–1.0% by weight were introduced to the rubber toughened epoxy matrix with via a direct method. The effect of GNP loadings on the mechanical (tensile and impact properties) and thermal properties of the rubber toughened epoxy/GNP nanocomposites were evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of GNP had optimally improved the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 70% and 74%, respectively, at 0.6 wt% filler loading. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Tg increment result proved the barrier effect via delaying decomposition process which induced by the layered structure of GNP and thus significantly enhanced the thermal stability of epoxy‐based resin, irrespective of GNP loadings (insignificant difference in the decomposition temperature). The fractured surfaces of these nanocomposites showed the good interfacial interaction between the matrix and the GNP nanofiller. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated the exfoliation and intercalation states of GNP dispersion in epoxy/LENR.

Modeling the evolution of graphene agglomeration and the electrical and mechanical properties of graphene/polypropylene nanocomposites

“…2 Several theoretical and semiempirical models have been developed to predict the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of nanofiller-reinforced nanocomposites. [3][4][5][6][7][8] The results have revealed that, in the mechanical field, the elastic modulus and yield strength of overall graphene/polymer nanocomposites could be improved with addition of graphene fillers, 3 whereas other studies show that their ultimate strength and strain could be degraded. 4 In the thermal field, it has also been demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of these nanocomposites could be significantly increased, even when small amount of nanofillers is included into polymers.…”

“…4 In the thermal field, it has also been demonstrated that the thermal conductivity of these nanocomposites could be significantly increased, even when small amount of nanofillers is included into polymers. 5,6 In the electrical field, it has been observed that the electrical resistivity would abruptly decrease when the volume concentration of graphene exceeds a specific value, referred to as the "electrical percolation threshold." [7][8][9] Filler aspect ratio is considered as one of the main factors that control and influence the enhancements in overall properties.…”

The effect of aligning graphene‐oxide nanoplatelets on moisture absorption and thermal stability of polymeric nanocomposites

“…They reported that the addition of 2 wt% graphene nanoplatelets caused an improvement in decomposition temperature from 196.73 to 243°C at 5% weight loss in TGA analysis. Mohammad et al 24 studied the thermal stability of the rubber‐toughened epoxy/GNP nanocomposites using TGA. They reported that GNPs postponed the decomposition process due to their layered structure and greatly increased the thermal stability of the epoxy‐based resin.…”