TITLE:
Fractography Analysis with Topographical Features of Multi-Layer Graphene Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites
AUTHORS:
Rasheed Atif, Fawad Inam
KEYWORDS:
Fractography, Multi-Layer Graphene (MLG), Epoxy, Nanocomposites, Mechanical Properties
JOURNAL NAME:
Graphene,
Vol.5 No.4,
September
30,
2016
ABSTRACT: The stiff and fragile structure of thermosetting polymers, such as epoxy, accomplices
the innate cracks to cause fracture and therefore the applications of monolithic epoxy
are not ubiquitous. However, it is well established that when reinforced especially by
nano-fillers, its ability to withstand crack propagation is propitiously improved. The
crack is either deflected or bifurcated when interacting with strong nano-filler such
as Multi-Layer Graphene (MLG). Due to the deflection and bifurcation of cracks,
specific fracture patterns are observed. Although these fracture patterns seem aesthetically
appealing, however, if delved deeper, they can further be used to estimate
the influence of nano-filler on the mechanical properties. Here we show that, by a
meticulous examination of topographical features of fractured patterns, various important
aspects related to fillers can be approximated such as dispersion state, interfacial
interactions, presence of agglomerates, and overall influence of the incorporation
of filler on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites.