Integration of nanographene and action of fiber sequences on functional behaviour of composite laminates

Abstract

Abstract The main research objective is to enhance the functional properties of epoxy hybrid nanocomposite laminates made with various sequences of jute (J), glass (G), and kenaf fibers (K) embedded with 1–3 wt% of nanographene particles. This is achieved using a hand layup technique combined with compression moulding. Epoxy resin serves as the adhesive agent, resulting in superior bonding between the fibers and nanographene. The study evaluates the effects of nanographene loading and fiber sequence on X-ray diffraction, mechanical properties, water absorption, thermal behaviour, and intensity peaks of the composites. The results are compared to identify the optimal for high performance for structural applications. According to the findings, the hybrid nanocomposite layered with the sequence glass/jute/jute/kenaf/kenaf/kenaf/kenaf/jute/jute/glass (G/J/J/K/K/K/K/J/J/G) containing 3 wt% nanographene particles demonstrates optimal tensile (110 MPa) and flexural strength (132 MPa), improved microhardness (82 HV), better fracture toughness (2.55 MPa m 0.5 ), and reduced water absorption (2.6 % after six weeks). Additionally, the degradation temperature shows improvements for all hybrid combinations when nanographene is incorporated.