Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of Bio-Based Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Graphene Platelets
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable engineering materials has increased interest in bio-based epoxy composites as alternatives to petroleum-based materials. However, their relatively low mechanical performance limits structural applications. This study investigates the effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the tensile properties of a bio-based epoxy resin. Graphene Plate 2 and Graphene Plate 7 were incorporated at loadings of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%. Specimens were prepared using mechanical mixing and ultrasonication then cured either at room temperature for seven days or using a two-stage oven cycle (70°C for 30 min followed by 140°C for 1 h). Tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break were evaluated and the results were analysed using mean values, standard deviations, one-way ANOVA, effect size and Tukey-Kramer post-hoc analysis. Graphene reinforcement generally improved the tensile properties of the bio-based epoxy with the highest mean tensile strength observed at 0.25 wt% graphene loading for both graphene grades. Graphene Plate 2 generally outperformed Graphene Plate 7 particularly in tensile strength and Young's modulus. Oven curing also produced superior mechanical properties compared with room-temperature curing. ANOVA confirmed that graphene loading had a statistically significant effect on tensile strength and Young's modulus for both graphene grades while its effect on elongation depended on the graphene grade. Effect size analysis indicated a very large influence of graphene loading on tensile strength and Young's modulus while the Tukey-Kramer analysis identified significant differences between specific loading levels. These findings demonstrate the potential of graphene nanoplatelets to improve the mechanical performance of sustainable bio-based epoxy composites.
Author: OBAID, Meshare
Institution: University of Sunderland
Language: English
Topic: Epoxy Resin Curing Processes
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214756315