Experimental and analytical investigation of impact strength of functionally graded epoxy/graphene nanocomposite

In this research, the impact strength of functionally graded epoxy/graphene nanocomposite have been investigated. First, the samples were made for uniform and functionally graded distributions. Then, the distribution of nanoparticles has been investigated using a scanning electron microscope. Based on this investigation for uniform distribution up to 1.5% by weight of graphene nanoparticles, no signs of agglomerated particles were found. In addition, imaging was also done for the functionally graded sample and it was observed that the boundary of the layers is completely connected. Then the samples were subjected to Izod impact test and it was observed that for uniform distribution, the amount of energy absorption increased up to 1% by weight of graphene nanoparticles and then for the sample with 1.5% by weight of graphene nanoparticles, its value started to reduces. To validate the accuracy of the obtained results, modeling has been done for the mentioned samples using the finite element method and the obtained results have been compared with the experimental results.