Numerical analysis of graphene oxide modified glass fiber/epoxy resin composites

Abstract

Abstract Graphene is extensively used as a functional material due to its superb heat transfer and electrical conductivity properties. In this paper, sample graphene oxide /glass fiber/epoxy resin composites were prepared by ultrasonic decentralization. The heat transfer and stress distribution of the graphene-doped fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites were simulated by mathematical modelling. The reliability of the numerical heat transfer model is illustrated by comparing the measured temperature field distribution of the graphene oxide/glass fiber/epoxy composite samples with the numerical simulation results. It is also shown that graphene particles can facilitate heat transfer and the epoxy resin in the composite expands significantly more than the fibers, so the compressive stress on the fibers at the interface strengthens the bond between resin and fibers. Still, the thermal stress can cause the glass fiber ends to detach from the resin material and affect the material life.