Experimental Investigation and Characterization of Amine functionalized Graphene/ Epoxy Nanocomposites.

Abstract

Graphene has drawn tremendous scientific and commercial interest because of its outstanding properties. It has also been extensively researched as a reinforcement in composite materials. Graphene is the most significant reinforced filler because of its exceptional mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. On the other hand, epoxy resin is extensively utilized in practical applications such as laminates, coatings, and composites because of its simplicity of processing, firm adherence to various substrates, and chemical resistance. The distribution and interplay of graphene nanoparticles with the polymer determine the composite's performance. Several approaches can be used to integrate Graphene into graphene-enhanced composites, including graphene dispersion in the polymer matrix. 

 In this research, to have good dispersion of Amine functionalized Graphene, the methodology was developed with a combination of different stages for better dispersion. The effect of different concentrations wt. % of Amine functionalized Graphene nanoparticles (AFGNP) were tested through tensile strength, and fractured surfaces were examined through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The result of the tensile test exhibited the enhancement of Tensile strength and Young's Modulus by 24.88% and 31%, respectively at 0.1 wt. % of AFGNP as a reinforcement compared to neat Epoxy. Further increase in wt. % of AFGNP shows a decrease in tensile strength and an increase in young's Modulus and again decrease, which shows the nonlinear trend in the case of Modulus.