Effect of Graphene Oxide (GO) on the Mechanical Properties of GO-epoxy Composite

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the effect of GO and modified GO by cetylltrimethylammonium chloride solution (CTAC) on the mechanical properties of the GOepoxy composite. Epoxy was prepared with diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA) and hardener, triethylenetetramine (TETA). The GO filler composition is 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5% of the composite weight. For the manufacturing of GO-epoxy composite, we used a combination of hand lay-up methods and Vacuum Bag Oven (VBO). The results of testing the mechanical properties showed that at the GO composition of 0.2% with CTAC obtained a maximum tensile strength of 361 MPa. It was found that the failure mode was specimens 1 GAT (Grib, at Grib, Top), specimens 2 LAT (Lateral, At tab, Top), dan specimens 3 DGM (Edge Delamination, Gage, Middle). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out to Figure out the effect of CTAC on the surface morphology of GO-epoxy composite. In order to confirm the GO in the epoxy composite Fourier-Transform Infra-red (FTIR) was measured. It was revealed that the bond produced was only the interface between the fillers and the matrix.