Mechanical properties of fiber/graphene epoxy hybrid composites

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of graphene nanoparticle (GNP) reinforcement on the mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) composites commonly used in the space and defense industry. Accordingly, GFRP, CFRP and AFRP composites were produced by using hot pressing method. In addition, hybrid fiber composites were produced by adding 0.1 %, 0.2 % and 0.3 % GNP to these fiber reinforced composites. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the composites were determined. The tensile damage fracture regions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy distribution spectrum (EDS). It was observed that the addition of 0.2 wt. % GNP to GFRP and CFRP composites increased tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. However, the addition of 0.2 wt. % GNP to AFRP composites had no effect on the tensile strength; on the contrary, it partially reduced the tensile strength but increased the modulus of elasticity. On the fracture damage surfaces of the GFRP and CFRP composites and the GNP/GFRP and GNP/CFRP hybrid composites, the fibers were completely separated. On the damage surfaces of AFRP composite and GNP/AFRP hybrid composites, the fibers were deformed but these fibers were not separated from each other. From the EDS analysis, it was observed that the element C increased in the composites with the addition of GNP to the fiber reinforced composites.