5. Mechanical Characterization of Epoxy – Scrap Rubber Based Composites Reinforced with Nano Graphene

The use of lightweight materials has accelerated recently due to the environmental restrictions and economic concerns. For this reason, in automotive and aerospace industries, designers and material manufacturers are in the search of durable materials in terms of their structural and energetic properties. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) usually meet these expectations when proper reinforcements are used. Epoxy – rubber based composites reinforced with different materials are studied by several researchers. However, addition of scrap rubber to the matrix and graphene as reinforcement introduces a novelty in this area. Since, using of scrap rubber has favorable outcomes in economical and structural perspectives such as revaluation of scraps and compensating for the brittleness of epoxy. Also, due to its superior structural, thermal and physical characteristics, addition of graphene promises desired mechanical properties in case of a homogeneous distribution. This paper is focused on the design of PMCs reinforced with nano graphene in different ratios in a matrix of epoxy – fresh scrap rubber. The mechanical and some physical properties of these composite systems were studied in this research. Mechanical properties were evaluated by means of three-point bending tests, impact tests and nano indentation technics. Scanning electron microscope was used to observe fracture surfaces and the microstructure.