On the effect of nano particle inclusion in fiber reinforced composite tensile and flexural behavior

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) on the tensile and flexural properties of fiber reinforced composite material. For this purpose; an experimental study was conducted using composite materials which were manufactured with [(0/90)6]s glass fiber and epoxy matrix by vacuum assisted resin transfer method. Glass fiber reinforced (GFR) epoxy composite plates were manufactured with various graphene nanoplatelets content such 0, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 wt% inclusion. Maximum tensile and flexural strength values were obtained in 0.1 wt% GnPs filled composites. After this weight content, decreasing trend in the strength values was observed. When fractured specimens were examined, failure modes were supported the test results also. Higher contents of GnPs were resulted as agglomeration in matrix mixture lead to impurities and stress concentrations, thus lower strength values were obtained in composite.