Graphite Nanoplatelets Interlayered Carbon/Epoxy Composites

A study was conducted to process laminates with VRM34 epoxy resin and show the effect of different graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) contents on tensile and in-plane shear properties and electrical conductivities. Laminates of Epon862 epoxy resin were also processed to show the effect of surface treatment of GNPs on in-plane shear properties and electrical conductivities. AS4 plain-weave graphite fabric was used for the fiber reinforcement, while two different resin systems were used to conduct the investigations. The two resin systems, such as VRM34 epoxy resin and Epon862 epoxy resin were used along with Epikure W curing agent in a weight ratio of 100/26:5. GNPs were deposited on graphite fabric surfaces first to avoid their screening during resin infusion process. GNPs were deposited on an AS4 fabric using an electrostatic spraying method, as it was a quick and efficient way of depositing conducting particles, such as GNPs on conducting electrodes such as graphite fabric.