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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Enhancement of Mechanical Properties in Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Graphene Nanoplatelets

  1. Bothichandar Theethan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharda University, SET, Greater Noida
  2. Bhim Singh Department of Mechanical Engineering, Manav Rachna University, Faridabad

Abstract

This study investigates how incorporating graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) influences the mechanical performance of hemp fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Hemp fibers were chemically treated by alkali treatment to improve fiber–matrix adhesion owing to their high specific strength, stiffness, renewability, and environmental friendliness. Graphene nanoplatelets were dispersed in acetone by probe sonication and added to acetone epoxy matrix at a concentration of 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt%, respectively. Composite laminates were prepared by means of a combined hand-layup and vacuum bagging to achieve complete adhesion and consolidation. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted on specimens prepared from cured composite plates according to ASTM D3039 and D7264 standards, respectively. The results showed that small amounts of graphene (0.2 wt% for GF6 and 0.1 wt% each for GF5 and GF7) drastically increased the tensile strength, modulus and elongation and flexural strength and stiffness greatly exceeded those of the neat hemp/epoxy control. The maximum enhancement in mechanical properties was found for the 1.0 wt% GNP composite suggesting the more efficient stress transfer mechanism and crack arresting capacity of GNP which may arise from the homogeneous dispersion of graphene and greater fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. This study demonstrates the possibility of using graphene nanoplatelets as an efficient nano-reinforcement in natural fiber composites by minimizing the micro voids and improving the mechanical integrity without sacrificing the flexibility. These results indicate that GNPs could broaden the spectrum of hemp fiber composites toward structural components for automotive, aerospace and construction by providing biobased materials with a higher mechanical performance.

Keywords

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