Enhancement of Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour in GrapheneWood FlourEpoxy Nanocomposites through Wood Densification

Abstract

The effect of Densification of wood on the performance of wood/graphene/epoxy was studied in this work White teak, also known as Gamari was densified and grounded and incorporated with GNP 0-0.3% to make the composite samples DW. Tests were carried out on this samples to evaluate the mechanical, thermal, electrical and moisture absorption properties. Densification significantly improved filler matrix bonding and load transfer resulting in higher tensile, flexural and impact properties compared to normal wood (WG) composites. Optimum performance occurred at 0.2 wt% GNP where graphene bridging enhanced and increased impact toughness and conductivity without agglomeration. Thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) showed us that higher decomposition initial temperature and residual mass for DW composites confirming improved thermal stability. Despite slightly higher moisture uptake, DW composites showed lower diffusivity due to reduced porosity. Overall this combining of densified wood flour with graphene nano particles gives us composite material with very high strength and good thermal properties and electrical properties for use in structural applications and thermal and electrical insulation applications.