The Effect of Graphene on the Fatigue Response and Failure Mechanism of Composite Materials: A Review

Abstract

This review investigates the influence of graphene on the fatigue performance of polymer-based composites, focusing on both unreinforced matrices and fiber-reinforced composite laminates. Graphene materials, including nanoplatelets, graphene oxide, and hybrid nanostructures, offer exceptional mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties that contribute to significant improvements in fatigue life. These enhancements are primarily attributed to mechanisms such as crack deflection, crack bridging, improved interfacial adhesion, and energy dissipation. An analysis of existing literature reveals that fatigue resistance depends on the type, content, and dispersion technique of the graphene, as well as its hybridization with other nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes. Such hybrid systems often deliver performance improvements that are beyond the scope of single-filler composites, demonstrating the potential of bespoke nanoscale architectures to exploit complementary reinforcement mechanisms. In fiber-reinforced systems, graphene enhances fiber-matrix bonding, reduces stiffness degradation, and delays the onset of failure. However, performance gains are highly sensitive to factors such as nanoparticle agglomeration, processing methods, and structural scale. Functionalized and hybrid graphene systems often exhibit synergistic effects that outperform single fillers. This review highlights the potential of graphene-based nanocomposites for advanced structural applications, especially in components that demand high fatigue resistance.