Effect of functionalized Graphene Nanoplates on the Mechanical Properties of Vinil Ester/ Glass Fibers Compositete

In this study, the effect of functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the mechanical properties of vinyl ester/glass fiber composites was investigated. In order to properly distribute the graphene in the matrix and create a stronger bond between surface modified GNPs, vinyl ester and glass fibers, surface treatment of GNPs was performed using (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane. The nanocomposites with different weight percentages of treated GNPs (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) were fabricated by hand lay-up method. The nanocomposite with 0.4 wt.% of modified GNPs showed the best mechanical properties. The results of bending test of 0.4 wt.% showed 63 and 28 percent increase in flexural strength and modulus, respetivily compared to composite without GNPs. Also nanocomposite containing 0.4 wt.% surface modified GNPs exhibited 26% and 11% improvement in tensile strength and modulus of elstisty compared to the FMLs containing 0.0 wt.% GNPs, respectively. According to the SEM images, the increase in mechanical properties could be related to the improvement in the adhesion between glass fibers and vinyl ester resin, and also the toughening mechanism of treated GNPs.