Improving fiber/matrix interfacial strength through graphene and graphene-oxide nano platelets

Fiber/matrix interfacial shear strength (ISS) is a key factor determining the mechanical properties of structural composites. In this manuscript the positive effects of both graphene and graphene oxide in improving the ISS value of glass-fiber reinforced composites are experimentally demostrated. Two strategies will be presented: i) uniform dispersion of the nanofillers in the polymer matrix or ii) selective deposition of the nanofillers at the fiber/matrix interface. Both thermoplastic (polypropylene) and thermosetting (epoxy) matrices are investigated and the effects of nanoparticles on the fiber/matrix interface are determined through micromechanical tests on single-fiber composites. Finally, the beneficial effects of the investigated nanofillers on both mechanical and functional (strain monitoring) properties of multiscale macrocomposites are experimentally proved for the cases of polypropylene-based composites reinforced with short glass fibers and on epoxy-based composites reinforced with continuous unidirectional glass fibers.