The effect of graphene oxide on thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of carbon/epoxy composites: Towards multifunctional composite material

Abstract The focus of this research work is to investigate the influence of graphene oxide (GO) on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites. The solvent mixing method with the new addition of a mixing stage is introduced for uniform distribution of graphene oxide in polymer. Different weight percentages of graphene oxide (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) were incorporated into the epoxy matrix, and the resulting composites were subjected to electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) testing. The findings revealed a positive influence on material properties with the percentage of GO. Especially, the electrical conductivity and ILSS values reached up to 7.05 S/m and 11.03 MPa, respectively, when 1.5% GO by weight of the resin was added. The improvement in ILSS reported by 40% compared to the neat CFRP, and this increment was attributed to enhanced bonding between the epoxy matrix and carbon fabric. Maximum thermal conductivity of 1.04 W/m°K obtained at 1% GO filler, which is 15% higher than neat epoxy composite. Overall, these results illustrate the potential of GO as a promising filler to improve the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of CFRP composites. Proper optimization of graphene content in a polymer is needed to achieve the best multifunctional composite materials. Highlights The new solvent mixing method is introduced for uniform distribution of graphene oxide in polymer. Maximum thermal and electrical conductivity obtained at different percentages of graphene content in composite. Positive improvement is observed in mechanical, thermal, and electrical at a specific percentage of graphene in the composite. Proper optimization of nanofiller content in composite is needed to assess for maximum performance.