Exploration of nano fillers (Multi walled carbon nano tubes and graphene powders) in the reinforcement of epoxy/glass fibre polymers (GFRP)

Abstract

Variations in the mechanical properties of the glass fibre reinforced polymers were seen when exploring nano fillers such as Multi Walled Carbon Nano Tubes (MWCNTs) and graphene powders for reinforcement. GFRP composites when fabricated with increase in percentage weights of MWCNTs and graphene get better interfacial bonding with the matrix. Nano fillers improve the performance of the composites. This paper deals with the examination and experimental investigations carried out for the prediction of the enhancement of mechanical properties on GFRP reinforced with MWCNTs and graphene powders. GFRP composites were fabricated with variations in the amount of nano fillers in percentage weights of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% wt. MWCNTs and graphene powders. The method used for reinforcement of resin with nano fillers was ultrasonication method meant for avoiding voids. A tendency for the mechanical properties to deteriorate was observed when nano fillers added were beyond certain weights of MWCNTs and graphene powders. This could be due to the agglomeration of nano fillers that change the fibre/matrix interface. Graphene nano fillers opts to be better compared to MWCNTs since the fabricated graphene reinforced glass fibre specimens have a better performance than GFRP specimens reinforced with MWCNTs.