Low-velocity impact and compression-after-impact behavior of carbon/epoxy laminates with graphene nanoparticles

Carbon fabric is widely used in the composite industry due to its high strength and modulus values. As better mechanical properties have been achieved, the design of reinforcement or cutting-edge matrix materials has been used over the last few decades. On the other hand, the use of nanoparticles is another significant method to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer composites. However, when considering the interface properties between the reinforcement and the matrix, determining the nanoparticle ratio and type is a significant consideration. In the study, the woven carbon/epoxy and 2 wt.% graphene-added woven carbon/epoxy composites were produced and tested under the low-velocity impact loading. Afterward, compression-after-impact tests were applied to them. It was concluded that the addition of 2 wt.% graphene nanoparticles improved the maximum impact force and CAI strength of the woven carbon/epoxy composite up to 4.86 % and 28.2 %, respectively. In addition, graphene nanoparticles improved the damage mechanism of the woven carbon/epoxy composite.