Graphene nanosheets reinforced epoxy nanocomposites: mechanical and electrical properties evaluation

Utilizing the direct mixing and conducting ultra-sonication with two solvent free and solventborne methods, Graphene nanosheets (GNSs)/Epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated through the present research. Mechanical and electrical properties of nanocomposites with various contents of GNSs were investigated. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural modulus, tensile and flexural strength were taken into account and the electrical conductivity was monitored throughout the tests. A considerable improvement in tensile modulus (12%) of the nanocomposites was observed using 0.5 wt % of GNSs and flexural modulus was enhanced by 10% in the presence of GNSs with the same filler contents. Moreover, flexural strength and tensile strength of the nanocomposites were improved by 5 and 15% at 0.1 wt %, respectively. In addition, the results revealed that the non-solvent method had a better effect on improving the mechanical properties rather than the solvent-borne method. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity was enhanced by increasing in GNSs contents, while the percolation threshold was at 1 wt %.