Micromechanical Analysis of Graphene Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Lamina

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are fabricated in the production industry using various types of manufacturing methods and techniques. For different types of composites, different types of manufacturing processes and techniques are followed in the industry. Since the applications of the composites especially epoxy-based graphene composite has occupied an important place in the modern world their compositions, mass fraction, volume fraction, density, void, etc have a significant impact on their mechanical properties like modulus of elasticity, shear strength, coefficient of thermal expansion and so on. For an intended application to get required properties in an epoxy-based graphene composite its composition ratios are very important to determine before going into final production. As such a representative volume unit (RVE) of a composite lamina is required to analyze for the correct selection of its constituents. With the help of a different set of mathematical models, researchers try to find out it’s almost correct mass or volume fractions in regards to its different mechanical properties. The researchers to calculate the fractions by trial and error method than that of going for production of several composite lamina specimen. Hence, it is clearly understood that micromechanical analysis plays an important role for the researchers to assume the composition ratios of composites and their better combination. In this work, a representative volume unit for an epoxy lamina of the graphene-based composite is considered for micromechanical analysis. The mechanical properties of graphene have unbelievable versatilities. Some of these properties of graphene are calculated based on the mathematical model. Many of the applications of graphene are also attractive for its sufficient electrical properties. It’s a lightweight material that is also proven in mathematical calculation. The longitudinal elastic modulus, transverse Young’s modulus, and the in-plane shear modulus of the unidirectional lamina of grapheme composite are much higher than the fiberglass-reinforced epoxy composite. Using Halphin–Tsai equations, the glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite showed a lower value in-plane shear modulus than graphene reinforced epoxy composite where Halphin–Tsai equations provided much better results than the mechanics of materials approach. Halphin–Tsai equations are also better for the in-plane shear modulus in both cases where graphene reinforced epoxy composite is mathematically better than glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite. Mathematically calculated different values when plotted against applied load it becomes very easy to understand and bring necessary corrections to different values according to the intended requirement. Different equations are used for different researchers. These equations are already established. This type of analytical research has made the job easier for the researchers to carry out their day-to-day research work. Accordingly, this analysis helps the research work to determine the appropriate mass and volume fraction of different grapheme reinforced epoxy-based composites to get the required properties from them and to be used for the intended purpose. As such, enriching the knowledge from this micromechanical research work, graphene reinforced epoxy-based composites are fabricated. Finally, the broad sense applications are discussed to understand the competencies and chances of the development of graphene reinforced epoxy-based composite materials.