Investigation of mechanical properties of halloysite and graphene doped glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite materials

In this thesis study, glass fibre reinforced epoxy matrix composites with unmodified, halloysite-modified and graphene-modified additives were produced using an ultrasonic mixer (to ensure a more homogeneous mixture of the additive material) and the vacuum infusion method. The mechanical properties of the produced composites have been examined. In my study, I first examined a composite made of epoxy and glass fibre without filler, then three composite panels filled with plates containing 0,5%, 1%, and 1,5% by weight of halloysite to the epoxy, producing three filled composite plates. Finally, three filled composite plates were produced by adding 0,5%, 1%, and 1,5% by weight of graphene to the epoxy, using an ultrasonic mixer and vacuum infusion method, resulting in a total of seven plates. Specimens were cut and prepared in accordance with ASTM standards to perform tensile, compression and bending tests on the plates. Tests were conducted on the prepared samples in the fibre direction (0°) and perpendicular to the fibre (90°), and the results were evaluated. In the tensile test conducted in the 0° direction, the additives increased the tensile strength and decreased the % elongation value, and the material became harder. In the compression test, the composite containing 1% graphene nanoparticles showed the highest strength. In this regard, halloysite and graphene made the material flexible. In the bending test, the additives reduced the strength, while the graphene additive increased the flexibility. In the tensile test perpendicular to the fibres, graphene reduced strength, while a 1,5% halloysite addition strengthened the structure. The additives have hardened the material. In the compression test, both halloysite and graphene additives increased the strength. The material containing 0,5% graphene has increased deformation.