Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT This study offers a detailed sensitivity analysis of the elastic behavior of graphene/fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites using a multiscale micromechanical modeling framework. It focuses on key elastic properties, which are the longitudinal modulus (), transverse modulus (), in‐plane shear modulus (), and Poisson's ratio (), and examines how changes in graphene nanoplatelet (GPL) content affect the mechanical response of nanocomposites reinforced with carbon or glass fibers. The study derives closed‐form expressions for the first and second derivatives of each elastic property with respect to GPL volume fraction to measure the rate of change and identify critical saturation points where additional reinforcement provides diminishing benefits. Its main contribution is the comparative approach and emphasis on rate‐based analysis rather than just magnitude‐based improvements. By identifying sensitivity patterns and reinforcement efficiency thresholds for each elastic constant, the study creates material‐specific design guidelines to optimize GPL use in multiscale composite systems. The results lay a foundation for the rational design of lightweight, high‐stiffness nanocomposites suited for advanced structural applications.
Source: Polymer Composites
DOI: 10.1002/pc.70397
Institutions: Durban University of Technology, Stellenbosch University
Language: English
Topic: Composite Material Mechanics
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,480
OpenAlex ID: W4413836268