Assessment of particle size distribution and tensile properties of hybrid epoxy composite reinforced with functionalized graphene and CNT nanofillers

The synergetic effect of amine functionalized multiple graphene layers (AMGL) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (AMWCNT) nano-fillers mixed with epoxy resin is investigated on the particle size distribution (PSD) and tensile properties of hybrid composites. The hybrid composites with an equal ratio of nano-fillers at a weight percent of 0.25, 0.50, 1, and 2 wt % are fabricated. The particle size analysis (PSA) is performed by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique and image analysis (IA) method; both verify PSD for composites. This is further verified by the analyses of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images using Image J software. The optimum composite particle size of 6.8 µm and homogeneous mixture with a poly-dispersity index (PI) of 0.74 is investigated for a sample having filler content of 0.5 wt %. Tensile stress and elastic modulus is also found to be maximum at 0.5 wt %, which is 49.91 MPa of 2302 Mpa, respectively. The chemical composition of composite affecting its PSD is characterized by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) process. Dimensional analysis of particle size in the domain of epoxy matrix provides deep insights to the researchers and may also provide them a direction for selecting an appropriate material for a particular application.