The effects of surface‐modified graphene nanoplatelets on the sliding wear properties of basalt fibers‐reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

Possessing unique designs and properties absent in conventional materials, nanocomposites have made a remarkable imprint in science and technology. This is particularly true regarding the polymer matrix composites when they are further reinforced with nanoparticles. In this study, the effects of different weight percentages (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) of surface‐modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the microhardness and wear properties of basalt fibers/epoxy composites were investigated. The GNPs were surface modified by silane, and the composites were made by the hand lay‐up method. The wear tests were conducted under two different loads of 20 and 40 N. The best wear properties were achieved at 0.3 wt % GNPs as a result of the GNPs' self‐lubrication property and the formation of a stable transfer/lubricating film at the pin and disk interface. Moreover, the friction coefficient was lower at the higher normal load of 40 N. The microscopic studies by FESEM and SEM showed that the presence of GNPs up to 0.3 wt % led to the stability of the transfer/lubricating film by enhancing the adhesion of the basalt fibers to the epoxy resin. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47986.

Comparative study of the influence of graphene nanoplatelets filler on the mechanical and tribological behavior of glass fabric‐reinforced epoxy composites

“…This phenomenon could be attributed to a uniform distribution of compressive applied load acting through indenter among fibers, matrix and fillers, leading to high resistance against penetration of the test indenter at the composite surface. Kazemi-Khasragh et al [30] observed similar trends after the inclusion of GNPs in basalt fiber-reinforced composites. The authors found the agglomerate formation post/with 0.5 wt% GNP inclusion in the composites but reported improvement in hardness was reported.…”

On the low‐velocity and high‐velocity impact behaviors of aramid fiber/epoxy composites containing modified‐graphene oxide

“…Graphene nanoplatelets (GNs) are known to have remarkable mechanical and physical properties, which make them potentially ideal materials for reinforcing polymers. In this regard, numerous works have been conducted to explore the mechanical properties of GNs‐reinforced polymer matrix composites [3–5]. The addition of GNs to FRPs is a promising technique for further improvement of mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, compressive, wear, and interlaminar shear properties [6–10].…”

Hybrid Epoxy Composites with Both Powder and Fiber Filler: A Review of Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties

“…In addition, in the case of hybrids with PNB, rough surfaces of GF and BF fiber were observed, which significantly improves the adhesion of the fiber to the polymer matrix in such materials ( Figure 6). Similarly, Kazemi-Khasragh et al analyzed the influence of the addition of surface-modified graphene nanopellets at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 wt.% on the sliding wear behaviors and microhardness of woven basalt fibers/epoxy composites made by the hand lay-up method [94]. The introduction of surface-modified GNPs into the epoxy matrix enhanced the microhardness and wear properties of these composites.…”

“…analyzed the influence of the addition of surface-modified graphene nanopellets at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 wt.% on the sliding wear behaviors and microhardness of woven basalt fibers/epoxy composites made by the hand lay-up method [94]. The introduction of surface-modified GNPs into the epoxy matrix enhanced the microhardness and wear properties of these composites.…”