Graphene nanofillers as a player to improve the dynamic compressive response and failure behavior of carbon/epoxy composite

Vast research has been going on to improve the mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymers composite (CFRP) when subjected to quasi-static loading but investigation and modification of their dynamic behavior are still underdeveloped. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the effect of randomly dispersed graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical properties of CFRP composites under dynamic loading. Four different mass fractions of GNPs, 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%, were considered in the experiments. Specimens were tested experimentally using the split Hopkinson pressure bar device (SHPB) to examine their dynamic response and damage behavior at high strain rates. During the dynamic compression tests, a high-speed camera was used to monitor and record the damage kinetics. The experimental characterization showed that the integration of GNPs has greatly influenced the dynamic response and damage mechanism of the CFRP. Composite doped with 1% GNPs demonstrates the optimum enhancement of the mechanical properties of the composite specimens and shows an increase of the dynamic characteristics and fracture resistance.