ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the potential of graphene as a nano-„ller in epoxy-based composite materials. Our focus will be on mechanical properties enhancement. First, we provide a general introduction to epoxies and their composites and then we describe the various mechanical properties that can be signi„cantly enhanced by the use of graphene additives. Throughout we make an attempt, wherever possible, to compare graphene
CONTENTS
9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 315 9.2 Epoxy Structure/Properties ..................................................................... 316
9.2.1 Epoxy Resin .................................................................................... 316 9.2.2 Curing Options .............................................................................. 318 9.2.3 Mechanical Properties of Interest ................................................ 318
9.3 Epoxy Composites ..................................................................................... 323 9.4 Graphene as a Nano„ller .......................................................................... 325 9.5 Graphene/Epoxy Composites .................................................................. 327
9.5.1 Graphene Synthesis in Bulk Quantities ...................................... 327 9.5.2 Tensile Testing ................................................................................ 331 9.5.3 Fracture Toughness .......................................................................335 9.5.4 Fatigue Crack Propagation ........................................................... 337 9.5.5 Damping Properties ...................................................................... 339 9.5.6 Thermomechanical Properties .....................................................340
