Nano enhanced GFRP composites: A comparative assessment of graphene and halloysite additives under low-velocity impact loading


Kösedağ E., Erkek B.

PHYSICA SCRIPTA, cilt.1, sa.2, ss.1-27, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1088/1402-4896/ae51c9
  • Dergi Adı: PHYSICA SCRIPTA
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC, zbMATH
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-27
  • Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract This study investigates the effects of graphene nanoplatelets and halloysite nanotubes on the low-velocity impact behavior of glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites manufactured via ultrasonic-assisted dispersion and vacuum infusion. Unfilled, graphene filled (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.%), and halloysite nanotube filled (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 wt.%) composites were fabricated and tested using a drop weight impact system to assess their peak contact force, deformation response, and overall energy absorption characteristics. Graphene reinforced samples exhibited a substantial increase in peak contact force, particularly at 1 wt.%, indicating enhanced stiffness and load transfer due to the high aspect ratio and superior intrinsic strength of graphene. However, the 1.5 wt.% graphene specimens showed a reduction in maximum force. In contrast, Halloysite nanotube filled composites displayed a more progressive and ductile response. The 1 wt.% HNT sample achieved the best balance between load bearing capacity and displacement, demonstrating improved energy dissipation through micro crack deflection, crack bridging, and nanotube pull-out mechanisms. Microscobic analyses confirm that graphene is more effective for increasing peak load, whereas halloysite nanotubes provide superior impact resilience and damage tolerance. Overall, low nano filler loadings (0.5-1 wt.%) significantly enhanced the impact performance of polymer based composites, while excessive filler content led to dispersion-related performance losses.Highlights• Graphene and HNTs were used to nano-reinforce GFRP laminates.• Ultrasonic mixing and vacuum infusion enabled high-quality laminates.• Graphene and HNT impact responses were directly compared.• Graphene improved peak impact force and energy absorption.• HNTs increased damage tolerance by distributing deformation.