Comparison of the tensile and flexural properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced by graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide

Abstract The present study aims to improve the tensile and flexural properties of epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) and reduced GO (rGO). The specimens were prepared using different weight percentages of graphene ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 wt% through the casting method. The graphene, GO, and rGO were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The maximum tensile strength and modulus of GO/epoxy nanocomposites were estimated as 46.34 MPa and 3.65 GPa, indicating a 45.63% and 43.7% improvement with an optimum loading of 1.0 wt% compared to pure epoxy samples, respectively. On the other hand, the same filler content of rGO improves the properties mentioned above by 33.24% and 31.1%. Moreover, the maximum flexural strengths recorded were 98.52 MPa and 92.66 MPa for GO and rGO/epoxy nanocomposites, respectively, with 0.5 wt% reinforcement of GO and rGO compared to pure epoxy samples. The fracture surface of specimens has been analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). The obtained results reveal that it is now feasible to modify the properties of an epoxy resin using a simple and cost‐effective GO and rGO reinforcement, making it a promising material for industrial applications such as aerospace components, energy storage, and biomedical. Highlights GO and rGO enhanced the tensile strength and modulus of the epoxy matrix. The inclusion of GO and rGO also improved flexural strength and modulus. SEM images revealed fracture differences between GO and rGO nanocomposites. GO‐ and rGO‐based composites are ideal for advanced structural applications.