On the graphene nanoplatelets reinforcement of hand lay-up glass fabric/epoxy laminated composites

Bending and tensile performance of hand lay-up produced glass fabric/epoxy laminated composites were investigated after matrix reinforcement with pre-dried graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) up to 30% wt content. Two different types of E-glass fabric, i.e. twill 2 × 2 and uni-directional, were used for the tested composite samples. The response of the produced nano-composites is being explained by the settling mode of the GNPs onto the surface of the fiberglass filaments, as it was observed by a scanning electron microscope. Due to the different settling modes while increasing GNPs content, different fracture modes of the filaments were detected.