<p>This study examines how graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) influence the mechanical performance, viscoelastic characteristics, and microstructural development of epoxy-matrix nanocomposites. Composites containing 0–3 wt% GNPs were produced via a two-stage dispersion protocol that integrates mechanical stirring with probe ultrasonication to promote homogeneous filler distribution. The hybrid dispersion technique was selected for its ability to achieve uniform nanoplatelet distribution through the synergistic effect of mechanical wetting and ultrasonic exfoliation, thereby minimizing agglomeration compared to conventional stirring alone. Mechanical characterization demonstrated a pronounced improvement at an optimal loading of 1 wt% GNPs, where the ultimate tensile strength increased from 56.97&#xa0;MPa to 68.25&#xa0;MPa, representing a 19.8% enhancement, while Young’s modulus improved from 2.14 GPa to 2.61 GPa (~ 22% increase). All mechanical tests were conducted in triplicate and the variation across samples remained within ± 3%, confirming high reproducibility and statistical reliability. Dynamic mechanical testing revealed an elevation of the glass transition temperature from 68.5&#xa0;°C in the unreinforced matrix to 74.7&#xa0;°C at 1 wt% GNP, reflecting constrained segmental chain motion arising from effective filler–matrix coupling. Concurrently, a reduction in loss modulus and a stabilized damping response (tan δ ≈ 1.02) suggest improved energy dissipation control. In contrast, higher filler concentrations (2–3 wt%) resulted in diminished performance, attributed to nanoplatelet agglomeration that weakens stress transfer and alters viscoelastic response. Microstructural examination confirmed homogeneous dispersion at lower loadings, whereas clustered regions at higher concentrations promoted brittle fracture characteristics. These outcomes underscore the pivotal role of nanoplatelet dispersion quality and interfacial adhesion in governing load transfer efficiency and thermomechanical stability, with 1 wt% GNP identified as the optimum reinforcement level for attaining well-balanced mechanical and viscoelastic performance.</p>

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Deciphering Load Transfer Mechanisms and Dynamic Response in GNP–Epoxy Nanocomposites

  • R Veena Pani,
  • L. H. Manjunatha,
  • P. Rajendra Prasad

摘要

This study examines how graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) influence the mechanical performance, viscoelastic characteristics, and microstructural development of epoxy-matrix nanocomposites. Composites containing 0–3 wt% GNPs were produced via a two-stage dispersion protocol that integrates mechanical stirring with probe ultrasonication to promote homogeneous filler distribution. The hybrid dispersion technique was selected for its ability to achieve uniform nanoplatelet distribution through the synergistic effect of mechanical wetting and ultrasonic exfoliation, thereby minimizing agglomeration compared to conventional stirring alone. Mechanical characterization demonstrated a pronounced improvement at an optimal loading of 1 wt% GNPs, where the ultimate tensile strength increased from 56.97 MPa to 68.25 MPa, representing a 19.8% enhancement, while Young’s modulus improved from 2.14 GPa to 2.61 GPa (~ 22% increase). All mechanical tests were conducted in triplicate and the variation across samples remained within ± 3%, confirming high reproducibility and statistical reliability. Dynamic mechanical testing revealed an elevation of the glass transition temperature from 68.5 °C in the unreinforced matrix to 74.7 °C at 1 wt% GNP, reflecting constrained segmental chain motion arising from effective filler–matrix coupling. Concurrently, a reduction in loss modulus and a stabilized damping response (tan δ ≈ 1.02) suggest improved energy dissipation control. In contrast, higher filler concentrations (2–3 wt%) resulted in diminished performance, attributed to nanoplatelet agglomeration that weakens stress transfer and alters viscoelastic response. Microstructural examination confirmed homogeneous dispersion at lower loadings, whereas clustered regions at higher concentrations promoted brittle fracture characteristics. These outcomes underscore the pivotal role of nanoplatelet dispersion quality and interfacial adhesion in governing load transfer efficiency and thermomechanical stability, with 1 wt% GNP identified as the optimum reinforcement level for attaining well-balanced mechanical and viscoelastic performance.