Developing hybrid carbon nanotube- and graphene-enhanced nanocomposite resins for the space launch system

During this research, O2-functionalised graphene nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been used to generate a nanoreinforced hybrid nanocomposite polymer. The addition of increasing contents of graphene nanoplatelets resulted in strength increases of over 260% in compression and 190% in tension over that of parent epoxy resin. It has been determined that the percolation threshold of nanomaterials is lower when appropriate high-shear mixing methods are used to disperse the nanomaterials. This research has determined the properties of the matrix material composition and the graphene nanoplatelet concentration aspect ratio and surface treatment method to achieve enhanced properties. The resulting electrically conductive hybrid nanocomposite formulations produced had an optimum concentration of graphene nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. This research has been used as a demonstrator for the fabrication of advanced adhesive systems for the space launch system.