Enhancement of epoxy properties through graphene nanofillers produced in molten salt: morphological, thermal and mechanical characterization

This research investigates the enhancement of epoxy resin properties through the incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), synthesized via the molten salt exfoliation method, as nanofillers. The study evaluates the morphology, thermal conductivity, and mechanical performance of the resulting nanocomposites. Electron microscopy reveals a high density of reactive edge sites in the graphene material, which enable bonding with epoxy groups during curing. It also shows a uniform dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) within the epoxy matrix, leading to reduced void formation and enhanced interfacial bonding. A notable improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of the epoxy was observed with the addition of GNPs up to 1.0 wt%. At this concentration, Young’s modulus increased by approximately 42% (from 2.9 to 4.2 GPa), while thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and tensile strength improved by around 41%, 9%, and 32%, respectively. These findings indicate that the integration of GNPs into epoxy resin significantly enhances both thermal and mechanical performance, positioning the nanocomposites as strong candidates for advanced structural applications.