Structural, Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Graphene-Epoxy Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites

Abstract

The change in characteristics in the microstructural features of epoxy nanocomposites created by reinforcing with graphene oxide (GO) obtained by controlled reduction of GO was investigated. The effects of adding various loadings (0.1–0.5 wt%) of RGO in epoxy resin were examined, with a focus on the material’s response toward mechanical and thermal properties. The robust interfacial bonding between epoxy resin and RGO is attributed to the higher surface area of the exfoliated layered geometry of graphene and is a key factor contributing to the enhanced physical properties in nanocomposite. The optimal incorporation of 2D nanofillers has been determined to induce a synergistic effect, thereby establishing a percolating network in thermal interface materials designed for high-performance electronic device.