Experimental analysis of graphene platelets-based axially functionally graded nanocomposites: Mechanical characterization for smart material applications
Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online April, 2026
Experimental analysis of graphene platelets-based axially functionally graded nanocomposites: Mechanical characterization for smart material applications
This study presents an experimental analysis of graphene nanoplatelet (GPL)-based axially functionally graded nanocomposites, focusing on their tensile and flexural properties as well as the characteristics of transition interfaces for smart sensor applications. The integration of GPLs into axially functionally graded (AFG) beams enhances their mechanical and thermal performance due to the unique properties of graphene, which include high tensile strength and excellent electrical conductivity. The current analysis investigates the behaviour of GPL-based AFGs under various loading conditions, providing insights into their mechanical behaviours. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in tensile and flexural properties, attributed to the gradual variation in material composition along the length of the beam. This work aims to contribute to the development of high-performance materials for smart sensor applications, highlighting the potential of GPL-based AFGs in advancing materials science and engineering.
SureshSMortensenA. Fundamentals of functionally graded materials. London: IOM Communications, 1998.
2.
LiuDSuJZhaoL, et al.State-space formulation for buckling and free vibration of axially functionally graded graphene reinforced nanocomposite microbeam under axially varying loads. Mater2024; 17: 1296.
3.
GantayatAKSutarMKMohantyJR. Dynamic characteristic of graphene reinforced axial functionally graded beam using finite element analysis. Mater Today Proc2022; 62: 5923–5927.
4.
GeimAKNovoselovKS. The rise of graphene. Nat Mater2007; 6: 183–191.
5.
PottsJRDreyerDRBielawskiCW, et al.Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites. Polymer2011; 52: 5–25.
6.
ArshidEAmirSLoghmanA, et al.Aerodynamic stability and free vibration of FGP-reinforced nano-fillers annular sector microplates exposed to supersonic flow. Thin-Walled Struct2024; 197: 111610.
7.
ZavariSKavehABabaeiH, et al.A quasi-3D hyperbolic formulation for the buckling study of metal foam microplates layered with graphene nanoplatelets-embedded nanocomposite patches with temperature fluctuations. Compos Struct2024; 331: 117876.
8.
Khoddami MaraghiZArshidE. On the vibrational behavior of variable thickness FG porous beams with graphene-reinforced nanocomposite facesheets. Acta Mech2024; 235: 5161–5185.
9.
BabaeiHZavariSKavehA, et al.Dynamic response of advanced lightweight porous plates integrated with nanocomposite face sheets resting on elastic substrate. Int J Struct Stability Dyn2024; 25.
NaebeMShirvanimoghaddamK. Functionally graded materials: a review of fabrication and properties. Appl Mater Today2016; 5: 223–245.
12.
LewisGKSchliengerE. Practical considerations and capabilities for laser-assisted direct metal deposition. Mater Des2000; 21: 417–423.
13.
MortensenASureshS. Functionally graded metals and metal-ceramic composites: part 1 processing. Int Mater Rev1995; 40: 239–265.
14.
KlingshirnCKoizumiMHaupertF, et al.Structure and wear of centrifuged epoxy-resin/carbon fiber functionally graded materials. J Mater Sci Lett2000; 19: 263–266.
15.
KimGShkelYM. Polymeric composites tailored by electric field. J Mater Res2004; 19: 1164–1174.
16.
WangYNiQQZhuY, et al.Fabrication of functionally graded nano-TiO₂-reinforced epoxy matrix composites. Polym Compos2014; 35: 557–563.
17.
NardiTRtimiSPulgarinC, et al.Antibacterial surfaces based on functionally graded photocatalytic Fe₃O₄@TiO₂ core–shell nanoparticle/epoxy composites. RSC Adv2015; 5: 105416–105421.
18.
WangZShiFZouF. Deep learning-based ultrasonic reconstruction of rough surface morphology. Ultrasonics2024; 138: 107249.
19.
Barbaz-IsfahaniRDadrasHTaherzadeh-FardA, et al.Synergistic effects of incorporating various types of nanoparticles on tensile, flexural, and quasi-static behaviors of GFRP composites. Fibers Polym2022; 23: 2003–2016.
20.
AlimirzaeiSBarbaz-IsfahaniRKhodaeiA, et al.Investigating the flexural behavior of nanomodified multi-delaminated composites using acoustic emission technique. Ultrasonics2024; 138: 107249.
21.
LiYXieZHuangY, et al.Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis provides insights into flavonoid formation in different Glycyrrhiza species. Ind Crops Prod2023; 208: 117498.
22.
ZhangZDuJMahmoudiT. Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles for microbiological corrosion deterrence of oil and gas pipelines buried in soil. Adv Nano Res2023; 15: 15.
23.
AzadiSKZeynaliMAsgharizadehS, et al.Investigation of the optical and electronic properties of functionalized Ti₃C₂ MXene with halide atoms using DFT calculation. Mater Today Commun2023; 38: 106544.
24.
KamarianSBarbaz-IsfahaniRNguyen TranTM, et al.Optimal flammability and thermal buckling resistance of eco-friendly abaca fiber/polypropylene/egg shell powder/halloysite nanotubes composites. Adv Nano Res2024; 16: 27.
25.
LiuDSuJZhaoL, et al.State-space formulation for buckling and free vibration of axially functionally graded graphene reinforced nanocomposite microbeam under axially varying loads. Mater2024; 17: 1296.
26.
KiarasiFBabaeiMSarviP, et al.A review on functionally graded porous structures reinforced by graphene platelets. J Comput Appl Mech2021; 52: 731–750.
27.
NaebeMShirvanimoghaddamK. Functionally graded materials: a review of fabrication and properties. Appl Mater Today2016; 5: 223–245.
28.
EbrahimiFEffatmaneshfardAEzzatiH, et al.Stability analysis of functionally graded graphene platelets-reinforced nanocomposite shells. J Comput Appl Mech2024; 55.
29.
LevesqueMGilchristMDFisaB. A theoretical study of the tensile test for highly anisotropic composite materials. Compos Mater Test Des2003; 14: 320–335.
30.
PriyadarshiniASutarMKPattnaikS. Investigation of mechanical properties on functionally graded material reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets for biomedical applications. Compos Interfaces2024; 32: 1–30.
31.
AbdulRazaqJHassanAAl HasanJ, et al.Characterization of the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of epoxy-silica functionally graded materials. AIMS Mater Sci2023; 10: 182–199.
32.
ZhouT. Improving the thermal conductivity of epoxy resin by the addition of a mixture of graphite nanoplatelets and silicon carbide microparticles. Express Polym Lett2013; 7: 585–594.
33.
NazarpourSWaiteSR. Graphene technology: From laboratory to fabrication. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 2016.
34.
WeiJCAtifRVoT, et al.Graphene nanoplatelets in epoxy system: dispersion, reaggregation, and mechanical properties of nanocomposites. J Nanomater2015; 2015: 1–12.
35.
TangLCWanYJYanD, et al.The effect of graphene dispersion on the mechanical properties of graphene/epoxy composites. Carbon N Y2013; 60: 16–27.
36.
NaebeMWangJAminiA, et al.Mechanical property and structure of covalent functionalised graphene/epoxy nanocomposites. Sci Rep2014; 4: 4375.
37.
FallahnezhadKSalehK. Influence of graphene nanoplatelets on mechanical properties and adhesive wear performance of epoxy-based composites. Friction2020; 9: 856–875.
38.
BelloSAAgunsoyeJOHassanSE, et al.Epoxy resin-based composites, mechanical and tribological properties: a review. Tribol Ind2015; 37: 500.
39.
KharwarPKVermaRKSinghA. Neural network modeling and combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) method for optimization of drilling performances in polymer nanocomposites. J Thermoplast Compos Mater2022; 35: 1604–1631.
40.
KarSMishraSPattnaikS, et al.Impact of nano-marble dust on characteristic development of sisal-jute hybrid composites. Proc Inst Mech Eng C J Mech Eng Sci2023; 237: 4759–4768.
41.
GantayatAKSutarMKMohantyJR, et al.Analysis of the geometric non-uniformity effect on the free vibration characteristic of graphene reinforced axially functionally graded nano-composite beam. J Elastomers Plast2025; 57: 132–159.
42.
RajSSKuzminAMSubramanianK, et al.Philosophy of selecting ASTM standards for mechanical characterization of polymers and polymer composites. Mater Plast2021; 58: 247–256.
43.
GargPGuptaPKumarD, et al.Structural and mechanical properties of graphene reinforced aluminum matrix composites. J Mater Environ Sci2016; 7: 1461–1473.
44.
PaleiBBDashTBiswalSK. Graphene reinforced aluminum nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization and properties. J Mater Sci2022; 57: 8544–8556.
