Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Fire-retardant Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

The utilization of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites has garnered considerable interest due to their lightweight characteristics, exceptional strength, and improved chemical resistance. This study examines CFRP composite's mechanical and thermal performance, emphasizing the influence of epoxy resin and graphene oxide (GO) on improving structural qualities. CFRP is extensively utilized in aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering sectors, especially for structural reinforcement and restoration. This study investigates the impact of GO ranging from 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.% on CFRP laminates mechanical characteristics produced via the hand layup technique with bidirectional plies. Mechanical testing, performed by ASTM standards, demonstrated that including GO enhanced composite density, tensile strength, and flexural strength owing to improved interfacial bonding. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed strong chemical interactions through characteristic peaks of carbonyl and ether groups. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed enhanced thermal stability and increased glass transition temperatures from 102.31 °C for neat CFRP to 163.16 °C at 0.3 wt.% GO. Furthermore, GO demonstrated fire-retardant characteristics, markedly decreasing self-extinguishing duration by 33% and combustion rate. At 0.3 wt.% GO tensile strength increased by 24.5%, flexural strength by 21.3%, and impact strength by 18.7% compared to neat CFRP. The findings indicate that CFRP laminates reinforced with 0.3 wt.% GO content exhibit enhanced mechanical performance and fire resistance, rendering them appropriate for advanced structural applications in civil engineering and other fields.