Simplified One-Pot Synthesis of Graphene Oxide from Different Coals and its Potential Application in Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of GFRP Nanocomposites

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In this study, we compare the effect of various precursor‐based graphene oxide (GO) nanofillers on enhancing the mechanical performance of E‐glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy resin composites (EGFPs). GO derived from bituminous coal (BC‐GO) and graphite (Gr‐GO) were dispersed into an epoxy resin matrix. The resulting mixture was combined with E‐glass fiber mats using vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding. Notable improvements (38.9% in flexural strength, 22.9% in tensile strength, and 21.6% in impact strength) were observed in BC‐GO‐reinforced EGFPs at 0.25 phr loading of BC‐GO. The improvements for Gr‐GO‐reinforced EGFPs were 28%, 9.3%, and 6.8%, respectively. XRD analysis of BC‐GO showed a diffraction peak at 2θ = 20.9°. Except for this peak, no other crystalline peaks were observed when BC‐GO was incorporated into EGFPs. FTIR spectra of both composite samples, with or without the nanofiller, were similar due to the spectral peaks overlap. TEM demonstrated the exfoliated morphology of BC‐GO in EGFPs. These findings underscore the potential of BC‐GO as a cost‐effective reinforcement for polymer nanocomposites across various industrial applications, including the development of lightweight and strong materials for aerospace and automotive industries, protective coatings, petroleum, and aerospace production systems.Highlights BC‐GO demonstrates superior mechanical performance compared to Gr‐GO in EGFPs. 0.25 phr BC‐GO improves 38.9% flexural, 22.9% tensile, and 21.6% impact strengths. Beyond 0.25 phr, BC‐GO and Gr‐GO showed a decline in mechanical enhancement. Role of particle size, loading & adhesion to matrix analyzed using XRD, FTIR, and DLS. Coal‐GO is an attractive alternative nanofiller for EGFPs.

Enhancing the mechanical performance of E‐glass fiber epoxy composites using coal‐derived graphene oxide

Garg,

Basu,

Mehta

et al. 2023

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Enhancement in mechanical properties of GFRP‐coal‐derived graphene oxide composites by addition of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and halloysite nanotubes: A comparative study

Garg,

Basu,

Mahajan

et al. 2024

In this study, we compare synergistic performance of two different nanofillers, namely halloysite nanotubes (HNT) clay and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), in conjunction with a fixed concentration (0.125 phr) of semi‐anthracite coal‐derived graphene oxide (AC‐GO) on mechanical properties improvement of EGFPs (E‐glass fiber‐based epoxy resin composites). The dispersion of AC‐GO with HNT clay (GO‐H) and AC‐GO with MWCNT (GO‐C) within epoxy matrix was achieved using sonication and homogenization. Further mixture was incorporated into mats of E‐glass fiber employing “vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding” (VARIM). Significant enhancements (18.3% flexural strength, 14.6% tensile strength, and a slight increase of impact strength (1.8%)) were observed in EGFPs reinforced with GO‐H at 0.50 phr loading of HNT, with an AC‐GO concentration maintained at 0.125 phr. Correspondingly, optimal values for GO‐C reinforced EGFPs at 0.25 phr were 40.3%, 18.7%, and a 10.5% decrease in impact strength, respectively. Analytical techniques such as XRD, FESEM, EDX mapping, and FTIR reveal presence of relatively abundant functionalities and strong interfacial adhesion in GO‐H as well as GO‐C. The cost of HNT clay is approximately 15 times cheaper than industrial‐grade MWCNTs, therefore, these results underscore potential of GO‐H as a very economical nano‐reinforcement alternative to GO‐C for polymer nanocomposites.Highlights 0.50 phr HAGRP improves 18.3% flexural, 14.6% tensile, 1.8% impact strengths. Beyond 0.50 phr HAGRP and 0.25 phr CAGRP, mechanical properties decreased. 0.25 phr CAGRP improves 40.3% flexural, and18.7% tensile strengths. FESEM, FTIR reveal strong interfacial adhesion between nanofillers and epoxy. GO‐H has proven to be an inexpensive reinforcement for polymer nanocomposites.

Tensile and flexural behavior of graphene‐reinforced carbon/epoxy composites manufactured via compression molding method

Shelar,

Suryawanshi,

Wayzode

2024

Graphene's unique characteristics have piqued a great deal of academic and industrial curiosity. Its potential as a composite material reinforcement is the subject of intensive study. When it comes to reinforcing fillers, graphene stands head and shoulders above the rest due to its remarkable thermal, electrical, and mechanical capabilities. Epoxy resin, is widely used in a variety of industrial processes, including the production of laminates, coatings, and composites due to its processing simplicity, its tenacious adhesion to substance types, and its resistance to chemical agents. The performance of the composite relies on how the graphene nanoparticles are dispersed and interact with the polymer. Graphene‐enhanced composites use a variety of methods, such as dispersing graphene in a polymer matrix, to incorporate the material into its structure. Composites find their most common use in competitive situations settings where elements like mass and mechanical characteristics are prioritized over economic consideration. The use of carbon fiber and other state‐of‐the‐art fibers in composite structures is becoming increasingly common. This study aims to conduct an experimental analysis of a graphene‐reinforced epoxy composite's flexural and tensile properties containing varying amounts graphene. In this study, a multi‐step procedure was designed to ensure uniform distribution graphene. The results of a study on tensile and flexural strength showed good enhancement at a weight percent of G0.6% compared to clean epoxy.Highlights The novel method of manufacturing of graphene enhanced composite sheet. The lower weight fraction of graphene gives good results in terms of mechanical properties. Improvement in tensile strength by 53.35% and flexural test occurs of 8.04% in stress value at 0.6 wt% addition of Graphene Tensile Modulus and flexural modulus improvement of 76.26% and 16.87% respectively at 0.6% of wt. of graphene Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed promising results which shows existing of functionalized groups of amines. Scanning electron microscopy revealed graphene's interaction with the polymer matrix at the interface.