Recent Developments in Graphene Oxide/Epoxy Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Abstract

The two-dimensional macro molecule graphene and its derivatives have widely been investigated for their application as nanofiller in carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRC). Research has progressed from techniques that disperse graphene as a mixing constituent within the composite material to more complex examples where graphene is covalently bonded to fiber, matrix or both via multiple reaction steps. This field of research is multidisciplinary whereby branches of materials, engineering, polymer science, physics and chemistry often overlap. From the materials engineering perspective, the desire is to discover the novel materials targeting industrial applications and obtain a full understanding of the graphene oxide chemistry and interaction of graphene oxide with a polymer matrix. To date, most of the research is targeted at (i) improving the fiber/matrix interface properties and/or (ii) improving the dispersion of nanofiller within the matrix; both factors ultimately improve composite performance. Organizing that information critically can lead to emergence of a generalization of material design. Therefore, the objective of this work is to critically review current state of art in the field of graphene oxide/epoxy CFRCs and propose the design rules based on current scientific trend and common themes for future works.

The Influence of Graphene Oxide on Nanoparticle Emissions during Drilling of Graphene/Epoxy Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Engineered Nanomaterials

“…The data utilize the diameter of the particles measured using the SMPS. The constant material density for the three nanocomposites are: EP/CF = 1.59 g/cm 3 , EP/CF/GO 0.05 wt.% = 1.59 g/cm 3 , EP/CF/GO 0.05 wt.% = 1.59 g/cm 3 and EP/CF/GO 0.5 wt.% = 1.57 g/cm 3 . The average mass concentration across the 4-minute sampling period for different particle size diameters is illustrated in Figure 8.…”

“…Carbon-fiber (CF) reinforced-EP composites have become well-established materials within various lightweight applications, most prominently the aeronautical and automotive industry. Nano-sized graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to improve and tailor the EP/CF matrix mechanical properties, as demonstrated in numerous studies [2][3][4][5]. However, the unique advantages and influence that GO nanoparticles have on the material properties accompany potential exposure to unique toxic effects within biological systems.…”

“…EP is one of the most utilized thermosets within polymers, with an estimated global EP resin market to be USD 10.6 billion by 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 5.24% between 2017 and The closed steel chamber has dimensions of 740 mm × 550 mm × 590 mm, and therefore a total inner volume of 0.240 m 3 . It is designed to assure a closed environment to simulate an appropriate volume around the drill and minimizing electrostatic attraction to the surfaces.…”

“…Since the classification of particles according to their differing electrical mobility takes place in parallel (rather than in series as in the SMPS), the DMS50 can offer the faster sampled particle size distribution. This allowed for a size distribution every second compared to the SMPS of 45 s period (followed by 10 seconds for the classifier to regenerate to its initial voltage and 5 seconds to start the size distribution again) and therefore a faster representation of the particles being released from the The closed steel chamber has dimensions of 740 mm × 550 mm × 590 mm, and therefore a total inner volume of 0.240 m 3 . It is designed to assure a closed environment to simulate an appropriate volume around the drill and minimizing electrostatic attraction to the surfaces.…”

“…A separate capsule was constructed around the drill with separate air flow to avoid any interference of the drilling fumes on the particle number concentration within the capsule. The clean air system using the HEPA capsule filters and with the drill on was capable of producing a particle number concentration reading within the chamber of 0 particles/cm 3 with false background counts < 0.01 particles/cm 3 , as measured using a TSI Environmental Condensation Particle Counter (CPC) model 3783 at a flow rate of 0.6 L/min, particle range of 7-3000 nm and concentration range of 0-10 6 particles/cm 3 and ± 10% at 10 6 particles/cm 3 . The level of background noise is therefore significantly within the ISO [44] cleanroom standard for particles ≥ 0.1 µm of 10 particles/cm 3 .…”