Effect of graphene nanoplatelets and montmorillonite nanoclay on mechanical and thermal properties of polymer nanocompos
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Effect of graphene nanoplatelets and montmorillonite nanoclay on mechanical and thermal properties of polymer nanocomposites and carbon fiber reinforced composites Zaheeruddin Mohammed1 · Alfred Tcherbi‑Narteh1 · Shaik Jeelani1 Received: 10 August 2020 / Accepted: 28 October 2020 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Multifaceted effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) and Montmorillonite Nanoclay (MMT) reinforcement on mechanical and thermal properties of DGEBA epoxy resin nanocomposites were investigated. Multi-step dispersion techniques involving ultrasonication, shear mixing and magnetic stirring were used to disperse nanoparticles. Impact on thermal properties was investigated via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), while mechanical properties were studied using Tensile and Three-point flexure tests. Graphene sheets were instrumental in increasing modulus and strength at a very low percentage whereas nanoclay was helpful in preserving thermal stability of the matrix thus creating a synergistic effect to reflect the reinforcing ability of both GNP and MMT in mechanical and thermal aspects respectively. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies showed mixed intercalation and exfoliation of nanoparticles with increased inter-planar spacing and decrease in intensity of crystal peaks. SEM micrographs of failed samples revealed failure mechanisms and the aid of GNP to resist failure. To further investigate the effect of binary nano-reinforcement, hybrid Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) samples were fabricated and tested for mechanical properties via Tensile and Flexural tests. The mode of failure was analyzed by SEM imaging. It was confirmed that GNP reinforcement helped in increasing the mechanical properties of material. Keywords Graphene · Montmorillonite · Nanocomposite · Carbon fiber
1 Introduction Fibers reinforced polymer matrix composites have been widely studied and are rapidly replacing the traditional isotropic materials due to several advantages, mainly high strength and stiffness to weight ratios and design flexibility [1]. In aerospace, marine, civil infrastructure, transportation and energy applications, the main concern is long-term durability in service environments. Material functionality is expected to remain unchanged even when exposed to various environmental conditions such as cyclic temperatures, moisture, oxidation and loading. Polymer matrix, being the weakest constituent in a composite
material tends to fail prematurely during loading conditions. Hydrothermal aging also causes significant changes to polymer composites, frequently limiting service life and applications. Polymer matrix generally undergoes plasticization when exposed to moderate amount of water, increasing chain mobility and decreasing glass transition temperature, stiffness, and strength, while also decreasing fracture toughness when exposed for prolonged durations [2]. Therefore, it can be inferred that enhancing damage tolerance capa
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