Investigating fracture toughness of graphene epoxy nanocomposites using single edge notched bending specimens

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the fracture toughness epoxy-based graphene nanocomposites. single edge notched bending (SENB) samples with precrack tips were created by either tapping or sliding methods. For method, a tap conducted on razor blade such crack length 2 mm instantly propagated. slid forward and backward into samples, generated edge. SENB loadings (0.15 0.3 wt%) subjected three-point tests evaluate toughness. Results indicated that loading did not considerably affect tapping-induced tips. However, sliding-induced decreased as increased. wt% nanocomposites, levels sliding- equal. In order explicate experimental results, plastic zone sizes around tip evaluated using finite element analysis. sharp (tapping method), comparatively small (brittle behavior); hence, effect inception extension minimal. Nevertheless, for blunt (sliding larger size increased; thus, behavior measured from method dramatically influenced loading.