Influence of Graphene Addition on Tensile, Flexural, and Hardness Behavior of GFRP Composites

Polymer Matrix Composites represent a new generation of engineering materials in which matrix materials are altered by reinforcing filler materials to enhance strength and other properties. In the present work, the Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites were fabricated by adding different compositions of Graphene as a Nano filler material using the Hand layup technique, followed by the Vacuum bagging process. The Graphene filler material was varied from 2% to 4%. The prepared composites were characterized by subjecting them to various mechanical tests such as tensile test, flexural test, and micro hardness test. The experimental results show that the addition of 4% filler material enhances 5.48% tensile strength, 27.74% of flexural strength, and a decrease in hardness, resulting in a decrease in brittleness of the composite. Further SEM analysis was carried out to study the dispersion of filler material in the matrix.