Optimizing mechanical performance: Epoxy-graphene oxide nanocomposites for enhanced strength in lattice structure

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Epoxy-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites are gaining prominence for enhancing conventional epoxy resins.
• Their improved mechanical characteristics make them suitable for advanced engineering applications in automotive, aerospace, and structural materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an epoxy/GO composite with superior mechanical properties.
• To optimize the synthesis parameters for epoxy/GO composites, including GO content, oxidation degree, and homogenization time.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of nine epoxy/GO composites using the Taguchi method (3^3 orthogonal array).
• Tensile strength testing of synthesized composites.
• Analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine the influence of synthesis parameters.
• Non-linear regression analysis to develop a predictive model for tensile strength.

Main Results:

• Optimal synthesis parameters determined: 0.25 wt% GO content, 6 g oxidation degree, and 150 min homogenization time.
• The optimal composite achieved a tensile strength of 73 MPa, representing a 92% improvement over pure epoxy (38 MPa).
• Analysis of variance confirmed GO content as the most significant factor influencing tensile strength.

Conclusions:

• The developed epoxy/GO composite exhibits significantly enhanced mechanical properties.
• A highly accurate semi-empirical quadratic model (R²=99.55%, AARD=1.13%) was established for predicting composite tensile strength.
• The findings support the use of epoxy/GO nanocomposites in demanding engineering applications.