Influence of GNP and CB Toughening on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Fiber Epoxy Composites Fabricated with Vacuum Infusion Molding

Mohammed A.M. Al-Fakih; Faiz Ahmad; Nurlida Mat Lazim; Ambagaha Hewage Dona Kalpani Rasangika; Russell J. Varley

doi:10.48084/etasr.11876

Authors

Mohammed A.M. Al-Fakih Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Technology Petronas, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia
Faiz Ahmad Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Technology Petronas, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia
Nurlida Mat Lazim Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Technology Petronas, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia
Ambagaha Hewage Dona Kalpani Rasangika Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Technology Petronas, Seri Iskandar, Malaysia
Russell J. Varley School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia

Volume: 15 | Issue: 6 | Pages: 28447-28453 | December 2025 | https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.11876

Received: 2 May 2025 | Revised: 13 June 2025 | Accepted: 28 June 2025 | Online: 8 December 2025

Corresponding author: Faiz Ahmad

Abstract

The development of lightweight, high-performance composite materials is essential for advancing the structural applications across various engineering fields. This study explores the production of hybrid fiber materials incorporating Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) and Carbon Blacks (CB) as reinforcements to improve the mechanical performance. The hybrid fiber materials were manufactured using a Vacuum Infusion Molding (VIM) technique. The mechanical properties, including the tensile and flexural strength, were measured according to ASTM standards. The results show that the composites with 0.1% GNP and 0.1% CB exhibited an optimal mechanical performance, with a highest tensile strength of 354.741 MPa and a balanced failure mode. The higher filler content of 0.2% GNP and 0.2% CB, however, resulted in increased brittleness and poor interfacial bonding, indicated by the higher void content (3%) and reduced fiber-matrix adhesion. The SEM fracture analysis revealed that moderate nanoparticle levels improve the fiber-matrix adhesion, but excessive amounts cause agglomeration and early failure. These findings emphasize the importance of filler optimization to balance the strength, toughness, and durability, paving the way for flax/glass hybrid composites optimized for lightweight, high-performance structural applications.

Keywords:

glass fiber, flax fiber, graphene nanoplatelets, carbon black, flexural properties, vacuum infusing molding, tensile strength, flexural strength

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