Effect of SiC and graphene nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract This study experimentally investigates the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFRECs) filled with Graphene (Gr) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanoparticles. Gr and SiC nanoparticle filled CFREC plates at 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% weight ratios were fabricated using a vacuum infusion technique from unidirectional carbon fiber fabric with both 0 and 90° fiber orientation. According to ASTM standards, tensile, compression, and three point bending tests were performed to determine the effects of additive type and weight ratios. CFRECs with Gr additive exhibit improved tensile properties compared to the unfilled composites, especially at higher filler contents and at specific fiber orientations. Also, the Gr additive showed a better improvement in the tensile behavior of the CFRECs than the SiC additive. In general, it was found that the elastic modulus values of nanoparticle additive samples were higher than that of the unfilled composite material in both fiber orientations. Except for the 0.5% SiC ratio with 0° fiber orientation, the particle added nanocomposites did not exceed the value of the unfilled composite and did not make a positive effect on the compressive strength. It has been observed that Gr additives give more positive results on the bending strength of CFRECs than SiC, especially at a 2% weight ratio. Highlights Effects of nanoparticle types on mechanical properties of CFRECs were compared. Weight ratio effects on the properties of nanoparticle‐filled CFRECs were studied. The load‐bearing capacity decreased as the additive ratio increased. Additives and ratios should be carefully selected for the intended applications. Overall, presence Gr resulted in enhanced properties much prominently for composites.