Mechanical performance and thermal stability of modified epoxy nanocomposite with low loading of graphene platelets

In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) of 0.2%-1.0% by weight were introduced to the rubber toughened epoxy matrix with via a direct method. The effect of GNP loadings on the mechanical (tensile and impact properties) and thermal properties of the rubber toughened epoxy/GNP nanocomposites were evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of GNP had optimally improved the tensile strength and tensile modulus by 70% and 74%, respectively, at 0.6 wt% filler loading. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and T-g increment result proved the barrier effect via delaying decomposition process which induced by the layered structure of GNP and thus significantly enhanced the thermal stability of epoxy-based resin, irrespective of GNP loadings (insignificant difference in the decomposition temperature). The fractured surfaces of these nanocomposites showed the good interfacial interaction between the matrix and the GNP nanofiller. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis demonstrated the exfoliation and intercalation states of GNP dispersion in epoxy/LENR.