Investigation of mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites filled with nano-graphene at different rates

High-performance polymer composite materials that have lower weight compared to metallic materials; It is widely used as a structural material in the automotive, aerospace and chemical industries and in engineering applications under working conditions. To ensure economic efficiency and safety, low specific gravity, unique mechanical and tribological properties and high resistance to degradation are required. Nano- or micro-sized inorganic particles added homogeneously to the polymer matrix contribute to the production of light and durable composite materials. In this study, nano-graphene particle reinforced polymer composite materials at different rates were produced by using glass fiber fabric, Hexion Epikote Resin MGSLR 635\Hexion Epikure Curing Agent MGH LH 635 epoxy resin system and hand lay-up method. Nano-graphene particles were added to the matrix at rates of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1% by weight, and the effect of nano-graphene reinforcement on the mechanical properties was investigated by tensile and three-point bending tests. As a result of tensile and three-point bending tests, it was observed that the bending strength values of nano-graphene reinforced polymer composites decreased in parallel with the increase in weight, as opposed to the tensile strength values increasing. Keywords:Tensile, Bending, Graphene, Composite, Nano