Mechanical enhancement of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by graphite nanoplatelet reinforcement

The epoxy matrix in carbon fiber/epoxy composites was modified with graphite nanoplatelets to improve their mechanical properties. Graphite nanoparticles were mixed and dispersed in the epoxy matrix by sonication, followed by a vacuum assisted wet lay-up process. The composites reinforced with nanoparticles showed enhanced compressive strength and in-plane shear properties. A simple analytical model was used to predict the longitudinal compressive strength, which was in good agreement with experimental results.