The Interlaminar Mechanical and Impact Properties of Fibre Metal Laminates Reinforced with Graphene

Glass fibre aluminium laminate (Glare) is widely used in various fields because of its excellent performance. However, its properties can be further enhanced by adding nanofillers, such as graphene, to the matrix. Graphene is a cost-effective toughening agent because of its excellent specific strength, economy and good compatibility. The interlaminar mechanical and dynamic impact properties of Glare were improved by uniformly dispersed graphene (0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 wt%). The interlaminar mechanical properties (short beam shear and single lap test) of the graphene-modified (0.5 wt%) Glare were increased by 42.24% and 25.65 %, respectively, compared with the pure epoxy resin matrix. At a graphene content of 1.0 wt%, the Charpy impact energy and strength increased by 163.58 % and 126.33 %, respectively, and reached the maximum value. The microscopic images and schematic diagrams illustrated the toughening mechanism of graphene, including the enhancement of the aluminium/resin and fibre/resin interfaces and the performance of the resin matrix. The toughening of the resin matrix was achieved through the formation of a mechanical linkage between the graphene and the matrix, which indicated that more time and energy would be required to destroy it.