MOISTURE ABSORPTION KINETICS ON GRAPHENE NANO FILLER REINFORCED GLASS FIBER COMPOSITES

Nanofillers have emerged as a transformative class of reinforcing agents in the polymer industry, owing to their exceptional ability to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymeric materials. These additives, predominantly available in solid form, are incorporated into polymer matrices to achieve significant improvements in structural performance and durability. Among the various nanofillers, graphene has gained considerable prominence due to its extraordinary physicochemical characteristics and its remarkable potential to substantially improve the mechanical behaviour of composite materials.

The integration of graphene nanofillers with glass fibres in the fabrication of polymer composites represents a significant advancement in composite material technology. This innovative reinforcement strategy has attracted widespread attention because of graphene's outstanding attributes, including exceptional stiffness at low filler loadings, superior barrier properties, and enhanced flame-retardant characteristics. The synergistic interaction between graphene and glass fibres offers immense potential for the development of high-performance composites, particularly for biomedical applications such as the manufacture of orthopaedic leg braces for physically challenged individuals.

One of the principal factors contributing to the increasing adoption of composite materials in recent years is the development of advanced Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) systems incorporating novel reinforcement architectures. In this context, graphene serves as an advanced nanoscale reinforcement capable of significantly augmenting the overall performance of GFRP composites.

In the present study, polymer nanocomposites were fabricated by incorporating graphene nanofillers into an epoxy resin matrix at varying weight fractions of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%. Experimental investigations were performed in accordance with relevant ASTM standards to evaluate the influence of graphene content on the mechanical performance and moisture absorption behaviour of the developed composites. A comprehensive series of tests, including tensile, flexural, impact, and moisture absorption analyses, were conducted to systematically assess the mechanical characteristics and environmental durability of the graphene-reinforced Glass Fiber Polymer Composites.

The outcomes of this investigation are expected to provide valuable insights into the role of graphene nanofillers in enhancing the structural integrity, moisture resistance, and overall performance of GFRP composites, thereby contributing to the advancement of lightweight, high-strength, and application-specific engineering materials.