Hypothesis: In recent years, graphene nanosheet (GNP)-based nanocomposites and their derivatives have gained considerable attention due to their favorable physical and mechanical properties. Magnetic nanoparticles, when influenced by a magnetic field, can prevent sedimentation in polymers by overcoming surface forces and particle agglomeration. Given the magnetic characteristics of iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) and the high strength of GNP, the development of Fe₃O₄/GNP hybrid nanocomposites aims to achieve uniform dispersion and enhanced mechanical performance.
Methods: The present research investigates the effect of GNP (0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% by wt) and Fe3O4 (2, 5, and 8% by wt) concentrations on the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy resin. Two novel approaches were employed using a high-shear turbo mixer in the presence and absence of a low-intensity magnetic field (90 Gauss) to evaluate nanoparticle dispersion and distribution. Subsequently, glass fiberreinforced epoxy nanocomposites were fabricated, and their mechanical properties were assessed
Findings: XRD, SEM/TEM, and VNA analyses confirmed that the magnetic field enhances nanoparticle dispersion. This is attributed to interactions between the functional groups of graphene and the active surface of Fe₃O₄, leading to the formation of Fe₃O₄/GNP hybrid structures. The magnetic field promotes the initial dispersion of Fe₃O₄ particles, followed by the coupled GNPs. Tensile tests under magnetic field application showed a 26.41% increase in strength, 60.2% in toughness, 26.7% in elongation, and 0.11% decrease in modulus compared to neat epoxy. Moreover using the reinforced resin, glass/epoxy composites exhibited 12% increase in tensile strength, 1.87% decrease in tensile modulus, 48% increase in flexural strength, and 13.5% increase in flexural modulus compared to unreinforced glass/epoxy. These materials are suitable for lightweight aerospace and aviation structures.