Improvement on mechanical and flame retardancy behaviour of bio-exfoliated graphene-filled epoxy/glass fibre composites using compression moulding approach

Bio-reduction of composite materials is the modern approach to facilitate the researchers to avoid toxic chemical exposure during reduction process. In this study, the green reduction of graphene oxide using Abutilon indicum (Tamil name: Thuthi) plant leaves extracted from various solvents were used as green filler material (0.3, 0.6 and 1 wt.%) in glass fibre epoxy composite. Compression moulding process was adopted to fabricate bio-reduced graphene oxide (BGO) filler incorporated polymer matrix composite. Tensile, flexural, toughness, impact test and fracture surface morphology analysis have been conducted over developed composite. Flame retardancy behaviour was studied based on UL94 standard. Outcome of the study revealed that Abutilon indicum act as the better reducing agent to reduce graphene oxide. XRD, FTIR results depicts the proper distortion of graphite flask. Addition of BGO in polymer matrix improvises the tensile, flexural and impact strength of matrix material up to 28%, 55% and 80%. Herein addition of 0.6 wt.% of BGO showcase better fracture toughness and flexural strength, further increment in BGO show negative effect in strength. Occurrence of delamination failure was notified in fracture surface morphology.

Automated summary

The study found that Abutilon indicum is a better reducing agent for graphene oxide reduction. Adding BGO to the polymer matrix can improve tensile, flexural, and impact strength, but excessively adding BGO can have a negative effect on strength.