Novel Ternary Epoxy Resin Composites Obtained by Blending Graphene Oxide and Polypropylene Fillers: An Avenue for the Enhancement of Mechanical Characteristics.

In this report, epoxy resin (EP) composites prepared using polypropylene (PP) and graphene oxide (GO) as additives in varying percentages are reported. Around 21 types of composites were prepared by dispersing polypropylene in 5–35%, or graphene oxide in 5–35%, with 95–65% of epoxy resin. Also, a ternary composite of EP matrix was prepared by adding 1:1 ratio of both PP & GO (5–35%) in 95–5% through a melt condensation technique. The graphene oxide platelets used in the study were obtained through modified Hummers method. The particle size and its structural characteristics were evolved through FESEM & XRD studies. The mechanical aspects of composites were tested by following standard ASTM procedures. The failed portions of the composites were examined through FESEM; it revealed a fiber/thread like structure, which promotes the higher tensile strength, Young's modulus, etc. In contrast to the plain epoxy resin, the composites display remarkable mechanical properties. Especially, the epoxy resin (80%) blended with 10% PP and 10% GO displays higher tensile strength (22.5 MPa,) tensile modulus (4.56 GPa,) flexural strength (75 MPa), and so on. All these data are very much useful, if these composites are used in the manufacturing of components like space shuttle, engine cover, heaters, brake pad, cryogenic fuel tank, etc. in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]