Dynamic mechanical properties of graphene and carbon fabric‐reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

AbstractThe present work attempts to estimate the impact of graphene and carbon fabric on the dynamic‐mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites with different weight percentages. By applying an oscillatory force to a composite, its response is measured, and by calculating the viscosity and the stiffness in relation to the temperature, time, or frequency, valuable information can be realized. It helps to identify “thermal transitions” occurring in polymers. The complex modulus shows the resistance of the composites to deformation caused by viscous and elastic effects. Though dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is used for the depiction of temperature‐dependent viscoelastic properties, in this investigation, the objectives were multi‐fold. It is aimed at understanding the role of carbon fabric and the incorporation of 1 wt% of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) in the epoxy matrix, and the effect of 0.5 to 5 wt% of GNP. The dynamic mechanical properties, including storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping factor, are examined across a temperature range of 25–250°C. Based on the findings, the storage modulus of the composites exhibits a range between 2000 and 9000 MPa. Notably, the epoxy composite containing 1 wt% GNP filler demonstrates the highest storage modulus. The details of mechanisms involved in DMA measurement are schematically summarized.Highlights Epoxy‐GNP and Epoxy‐GNP‐carbon fabric composites were fabricated. Storage modulus of composites does not show much dependence on the GNP. An increase in storage modulus by 05 times is observed in the ECG1 composite. The loss modulus of EC and EG1 composite is much higher.