This experiment combines 2 wt% nano-graphene with a phenol surface coating in carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer laminates fabricated by vacuum impingement to improve interfaces, reduce voids, and enhance mechanical and thermal properties.
Key findings
- Phenol-coated laminates achieved 416 MPa tensile and 262 MPa flexural strength, 1.6-1.8 times uncoated values. Degradation onset rose from 370 to 419.43°C and Tg from 200-220°C to about 250°C. FTIR suggested stronger interactions and SEM showed uniform dispersion and void filling.
Why this matters globally
Lighter composites with improved heat resistance may benefit transport and electronics, but phenol safety, manufacturing, repair, and end-of-life must be included in lifecycle assessment.
Thai researcher contribution
Suranaree University of Technology researchers contributed composite processing and thermomechanical analysis linking ceramic engineering, nanomaterials, and high-performance structures.
Limitations to consider
Specimen counts, error bars, and statistical tests are not stated, and multiple changes may be bundled in comparisons. SEM/FTIR support but do not directly quantify interfacial strength. Fatigue, impact, moisture, fire/smoke, aging, and scale-up are untested.