
Graphene oxide (GO) functionalized curaua fiber (CF) has been shown to improve the mechanical properties and ballistic performance of epoxy matrix (EM) nanocomposites with 30 vol% fiber. However, the possibility of further improvement in the property and performance of nanocomposites with a greater percentage of GO functionalized CF is still a challenging endeavor. In the present work, a novel epoxy composite reinforced with 40 vol% CF coated with 0.1 wt% GO (40GOCF/EM), was subjected to Izod and ballistic impact tests as well as corresponding fractographic analysis in comparison with a GO-free composite (40CF/EM). One important achievement of this work was to determine the characteristics of the GO by means of FE-SEM and TEM. A zeta potential of −21.46 mV disclosed a relatively low stability of the applied GO, which was attributed to more multilayered structures rather than mono- or few-layer flakes. FE-SEM images revealed GO deposition, with thickness around 30 nm, onto the CF. Izod impact-absorbed energy of 813 J/m for the 40GOCF/EM was not only higher than that of 620 J/m for the 40CF/EM but also higher than other values reported for fiber composites in the literature. The GO-functionalized nanocomposite was more optimized for ballistic application against a 7.62 mm projectile, with a lower depth of penetration (24.80 mm) as compared with the 30 vol% GO-functionalized CF/epoxy nanocomposite previously reported (27.43 mm). Fractographic analysis identified five main events in the ballistic-tested 40GOCF/EM composed of multilayered armor: CF rupture, epoxy matrix rupture, CF/matrix delamination, CF fibril split, and capture of ceramic fragments by the CF. Microcracks were associated with the morphological aspects of the CF surface. A brief cost-effective analysis confirmed that 40GOCF/EM may be one of the most promising materials for personal multilayered ballistic armor.
Izod impact, ballistic performed, epoxy matrix, nanocomposite, graphene oxide functionalization, Article, curaua fiber
Izod impact, ballistic performed, epoxy matrix, nanocomposite, graphene oxide functionalization, Article, curaua fiber
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