Morphology to Thermal-Mechanical Property Relationships of Dispersed Carbon Nanoparticle Epoxy Composites

<p>Nanoparticle-reinforced polymer composites have attracted growing interest for both kinetic and non-kinetic applications due to their ability to improve mechanical performance at low filler contents. Among these, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been widely studied for their high aspect ratio, stiffness, and energy dissipation potential. However, cost and processing challenges have led to interest in graphite as a potential alternative, given its similar chemical structure and lower cost. This study investigates the use of graphite flakes compared to GNPs and characterizes the impact on mechanical performance and strain rate dependent behavior under various compressive loadings.</p> <p>Graphene and graphite were incorporated at 0.1 wt% and 0.3 wt% loadings via direct addition into a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F (DGEBF) epoxy matrix, and fiber-reinforced composites were fabricated using basalt or E-glass through Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM). Mechanical characterization included quasi-static tension and flexure, high-rate compression via Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB), and viscoelastic property evaluation using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Thermal performance was assessed through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).</p> <p>Results showed that 0.1 wt% GNP provided the highest stiffness increase without compromising strain capacity, while graphite loadings led to significant performance losses under high-rate compression. Thermal analysis revealed no significant shifts in glass transition temperature or degradation onset. While graphite offers potential reinforcement in low-rate regimes, graphene was more effective under high rate conditions, suggesting it remains the more suitable additive for high-performance applications where both stiffness and toughness are required.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hanna, Hayden A

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jeffrey Wiggins
• James Rawlins
• Travis Thornell

• Composites
• Nanoparticles
• Graphene
• SHPB
• compression
• Mechanics of Materials
• Other Engineering Science and Materials

Repository record dc:identifier

https://aquila.usm.edu/masters_theses/1169

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:aquila.usm.edu:masters_theses-2247