Effects of Dispersion of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Improvement of Thermal Properties and Morphology of Polymer Nano-Composites

This study investigates the properties of epoxy-graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) composites using different techniques, with the aim of evaluating their thermal properties and morphology. The study looks at the effect of the dispersion of GNPs on the composites in terms of their X-ray diffraction intensity, micro-structural analysis, thermal stability/degradation, and glass transition temperature. The study also examines the effect of post-curing techniques on the enhancement of the thermal properties and morphology of the composites. The evaluation of the morphology is carried out using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy in accordance with ASTM D3417, while the thermal properties are measured using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer (TGA) in accordance with ASTM D3418 and ASTM 1131 ISO 11358 respectively. The results show significant improvements in the thermal stability and morphology of the composites with varying loading of graphene nanoplatelets. The TGA results indicate an increase in weight retention value as graphene loading increases. DSC analysis shows that an increase in graphene loading from 20 to 30 wt % increased, the glass transition (Tg) from 50 to 53o C. The use of solution compounding and high shear mixing as a dispersion technique positively influences the properties of the composites, making them suitable for industrial applications such as the automobile, electronics, and aerospace industries.