Mechanical and microstructural characterization of graphene dispersed basalt fiber reinforced polymeric composites

This study focused on effects of graphene nanofiller on basalt/epoxy composites. Basalt epoxy (BE) composite samples were fabricated by dispersing graphene in n-Butanol, using hand layup method. Fabricated materials were subjected to mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) testing according to the ASTM standards. Interfacial characterization, failure morphology and internal structure of the fractured surfaces of the tested samples were carried out, using scanning electron microscope (SEM). From the results obtained, it was observed that addition of graphene nanofiller notably enhanced the mechanical properties: tensile strength and modulus, flexural and impact strengths of the composite samples. Graphene imposed composite, designated as basalt/epoxy-graphene (BEG) sample recorded 9.98% higher tensile strength than BE counterpart. Similarly, its flexural and impact strengths increased by 58.34% and 97.30%, respectively. These can be attributed to presence of graphene nanofiller in basalt/epoxy composite system. Considering further study on their microstructures, it was observed that graphene enhanced the interfacial adhesion bonding between basalt fiber and epoxy matrix, which consequently improved the mechanical properties of the BEG composites. This investigation can inform better design, fabrication and application of fiber reinforced polymeric composites.