Stiffness enhancement of polymer nanocomposites via graphene nanoplatelet orientation

Abstract In the development of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), lightweight and durable materials play a crucial role for extended high‐altitude flights. Nanoparticle‐reinforced polymer composites meet these requirements, exhibiting resistance to environmental degradation. Despite their potential, the outstanding specific strength, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures of graphene–epoxy nanocomposites have not been fully realized due to inadequate dispersion and spatial orientation within epoxy matrices. Our recent research has introduced a mathematical framework aimed at optimizing alignment parameters for graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Fe 3 O 4 ‐attached GNP under a weak DC magnetic field. Subsequently, nanocomposites reinforced with GNP and aligned Fe 3 O 4 –GNP nanoparticles were fabricated using optimized parameters, and their alignment was characterized using various techniques. The current study examines the influence and comparative impact of alignment and weight percentage (wt%) loading of both nanoparticles on various mechanical properties, including tensile and compressive strength, along with failure mechanisms. It was observed that both GNP and aligned Fe 3 O 4 –GNP enhance the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, particularly notable improvements from aligned Fe 3 O 4 –GNP. The Young's modulus of GNP nanocomposites increased by 17%, while aligned Fe 3 O 4 –GNP contributed significantly to a 31% enhancement in the Young modulus. Highlights Epoxy nanocomposites featuring well‐dispersed GNP and Fe 3 O 4 –GNP nanoparticles. Proper alignment of Fe 3 O 4 –GNP within the epoxy nanocomposite was achieved. Mechanical properties improved with GNP and aligned Fe 3 O 4 –GNP incorporation. The aligned Fe 3 O 4 –GNP exhibits advanced potential for engineering applications.