Mechanical reinforcement and thermal conductivity in expanded graphene nanoplatelets reinforced epoxy composites

Influence of reinforcements on mechanical and thermal properties of graphene nanoplatelets/epoxy composites is investigated. Amine functionalized expanded graphene nanoplatelets (EGNPs) were dispersed within epoxy resins using high-pressure processor followed by three roll milling. Functionality on the EGNPs was confirmed with FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Bending and nano-mechanical testing was performed on the composites. Incorporation of EGNPs improved the flexural modulus and hardness of the composite and increased fracture toughness by up to 60%. Marked improvement was observed in thermal conductivity of the composites reaching 36% at 2 wt.% loading. Functionalized EGNPs exhibited significant improvements indicating favorable interaction at EGNPs/polymer interface. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.