Thermal behaviour of graphene nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes filled-glass fibre-reinforced epoxy composites

The effects of thermal behaviour on graphene nanoplatelets (GP) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (CN) nanofillers of glass fibre (GL)-reinforced epoxy composites were investigated. The paper aims at evaluating, through a single and hybrid carbon-based nanofiller on the thermal stability, mechanical properties, electromechanical properties at elevated temperature, and morphologies of the composites. The nanofillers were dispersed using a mechanical stirrer, Thinky mixer, and ultrasonic probe. Hand lay-up and vacuum bagging techniques were used in the manufacturing of composites. Real-time self-monitoring of the structural damage to the specimens under tensile and flexural tests was performed through electromechanical measurements. Using the GP-CN hybrid in the composite improved the adhesion between the hybrid nanofillers and matrix. The thermal properties of GP-GL, CN-GL, and GP-CN-GL hybrid composites increased with the hybrid nanofiller addition. Mechanical testing at elevated temperatures revealed a higher rate of strength degradation for the 1.5-mass% GP-CN-GL hybrid composite than for a single nanofiller composite. The GP-CN-GL hybrid composites exhibited a more pronounced nonlinear behaviour and lower resistance.