Abstract
In this study graphene nanoplates and carbon aerogels are used to reinforce polymer composites without reducing its strength. Carbon aerogels, unique property of nano-porous structure and high specific surface, is potential in increasing the mechanical and physical properties of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. This study is fixed at the total weight percent (1wt.%) of reinforcing materials, and then change the ratio of graphene plates and carbon aerogels(10:0, 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7). The first part of study, the graphene plates/carbon aerogels/epoxy specimens are compared by bending tests, static tensile test and impact tests to investigate the proportion of composite materials in different combinations to find the best hybrid ratio The results show that the 0.5 wt.% graphene plates/0.5 wt.% carbon aerogels/epoxy composites compared to the neat epoxy improving max. bending strength by 12%, max. static tensile strength by 7%, and max. impact strength by 126%. The 0.5 wt.% (graphene plates/carbon aerogels) /carbon fiber/epoxy composite compared to the neat CFRP(0 wt.%) improving torsion fatigue life by 8.4 times, max. impact energy by 34%, and the critical strain energy release rate by 41%. Morphologies of the fracture surface of the specimens are observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine and discuss its interface condition and fracture mechanism.