On the GNPs reinforcement of hand lay-up glass fabric/epoxy laminated composites

What is it about?

Bending and tensile performance of hand lay-up produced glass fabric/epoxy laminated composites were investigated after matrix reinforcement with pre-dried graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) up to 30% wt content. Two different types of E-glass fabric, i.e. twill 2x2 and uni-directional, were used for the tested composite samples. The response of the produced nano-composites is being explained by the settling mode of the GNPs onto the surface of the fiberglass filaments, as it was observed by a scanning electron microscope. Due to the different settling modes while increasing GNPs content, different fracture modes of the filaments were detected.

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Why is it important?

Bending properties are of the most significant properties in structural elements, but composite laminates often fail in bending when in structures. Therefore, a need for new composites with improved flexural performance has been raised. The present study aims to investigate the possibility of enhancing the bending and tensile performance of an epoxy matrix laminated composite produced by a hand lay-up process by matrix reinforcement with GNPs. The response of the produced nano-composites is being explained by the settling of the GNPs onto the surface of the fiberglass filaments, as it was observed by a scanning electron microscope. Due to the different settlings while increasing GNPs content, different fracture modes of the filaments were detected.