Optimizing Mechanical Properties of POM/Graphene Nanocomposites Prepared by Spray Method

In this study, a spray approach is applied to produce POM/graphene nanocomposite using a hot press mold and an automatic spray. The layer-by-layer spray method is used to fabricate these composites with different Wt. % of graphene particles, spray pressure, nozzle-to-mold distance at different temperatures. Taguchi approach as a popular method for Designing of Experiments (DOE) was used for statistical control of the parameters influenced by the synthesis process. The main idea in the present study was to determine the optimal characteristics by investigation of interaction effects in the manufacturing of POM/graphene nanocomposite. Thus, the optimal values obtained were 180oC for the mold temperature, 0.55m for the nozzle-to-mold distance and 3*105 Pa for the spray pressure. Finally, the experimental procedure done, showed that in samples fabricated by 1.8 Wt. % of graphene, the fracture strain decreased about 30% and the UTS and elastic modulus improved 40% and 60%, respectively.