Mechanical properties of epoxy composites filled with silane modified graphene nanoplatelets

This paper reports on the effect of silane modified graphene (SGr) loading (0.05, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt.%) on themechanical properties of epoxy composites. For this purpose, surface of Gr nanoplatelets was modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTMS) as a coupling agent. For dispersing of the SGr into the polymer matrix, highintensityultrasonication and mechanical stirring techniques were employed. The mechanical behavior of the specimenswas characterized by tensile and compressive tests. Based on the experimental results, the maximum value ofimprovement in the mechanical moduli and compressive strength was related to the specimens with 0.5 wt.% and 0.3wt.% SGr, respectively. However, the addition of SGr enhanced the tensile strength at only 0.05 wt.% SGr loading. Thepossible mechanisms behind these behaviors were proposed and discussed.