Low velocity impact behavior of twill basalt/epoxy composites modified by graphene nanoparticles

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Nanoparticles are considered as feasible strengthening agent which strengthen different types of polymeric materials with minor reduction in the density of composites. In this study, 0.1 and 0.5 wt. % Graphene Nano Platelets (GNPs) are added to the matrix of basalt fiber reinforced epoxy composites (BECs) and the effects of such addition on low velocity impact behavior are investigated. In this regard, the epoxy matrix is reinforced in macro scale by basalt fibers weaved together in 2/2 Twill pattern. Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) method is used to fabricate the pure and multi-scale BECs. The profile energy method is also used to evaluate the penetration and perforation threshold of fabricated pure and multi-scale BEC specimens. The force versus time and deflection, energy and deflection versus time curves are plotted and the key parameters of low velocity impact test including maximum force, energy and deflection are compared. According to the results, introducing of GNP nanoparticles in the matrix of BECs improves the low velocity impact behavior of these composites by increasing the contact force and decreasing the absorbed energy in rebounding state. Finally, based on the experiments, the 0.5 wt.% BEC has the best impact performance by applying 15.08 kN impact force against the applied forces of 13.78 kN and 11.208 kN for 0.1 wt.% and pure BECs.