Obtention and Characterization of GO/Epoxy and GO-GPTMS/Epoxy Nanocompounds with Different Oxidation Degrees and Ultrasound Methods

This work reports the obtention of nanocompounds from epoxy resin (EP) with graphenes at three different oxidation degrees (GO1, GO2, and GO3), functionalized with 3-glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), and three different graphene concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%). The aim is to improve GO compatibility in EP and obtain a nanocompound with synergistic properties. Ultrasonic bath was used to disperse the GO, a factor in the effective interaction between GO and the polymeric matrix. The nanocompounds were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and mechanical tension testing. The FTIR analysis evidenced stretching bonds created during the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with the silane (GPTMS); they are characteristic Si-O-Si and Si-O-C at 1000 and 1085 cm−1, respectively. There was a difference between GO and GO-GPTMS nanocompounds regarding the formation of these signals. The SEM micrographs showed morphological changes when GO was added: the smooth fracture surface of EP became rougher. During tension testing, Young’s modulus (2.09 GPa) of GO2-GPTMS/epoxy nanocompounds (1% weight GO) increased by 35% while their resistance to traction (98.71 MPa) grew by 52%; both were higher than in pure EP. In conclusion, the variables studied (oxidation degrees and silanization) significantly affect the mechanical properties studied.