Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Mechanical Properties of Intraply Carbon/Aramid Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) inclusion on the mechanical properties of hybrid composites reinforced with carbon aramid fibers. Mechanical tests, including tensile and three-point bending tests, were conducted to investigate the effect of graphene nanoparticles on the composite's mechanical behavior. Composite plates were fabricated using the vacuum-assisted hand lay-up method, incorporating graphene nanoplatelet particles at varying proportions (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt.%) alongside a pure composite sample. The results demonstrated that 0.1 wt.% GNPs (CA01) increased tensile strength by 5.5% (571.53 MPa), while higher GNP content reduced strength due to agglomeration. Conversely, flexural strength and modulus improved significantly (27.2% and 61.6%, respectively) at 0.5 wt.% GNPs (CA05), albeit with increased brittleness. However, an increase in GNP content was accompanied by an enhancement in material stiffness and brittleness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the fiber-matrix interface was strengthened, and load transfer was improved in the 0.25% and 0.5% GNP doped samples. Consequently, it was determined that the most effective nano-graphene ratios for enhancing flexural strength and interfacial bonding were between 0.25% and 0.5%, though agglomeration risks were noted at higher loadings.