Synthesis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Incorporating MWCNTs and Graphene: A Study on Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Cole–Cole Representation

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Rathinasabapathi G,

  • Prasenjit Chatterjee,

  1. Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lincoln University College, 47301. Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, , Malaysia
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lincoln University College, 47301. Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, , Malaysia

Abstract

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites were fabricated using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene as nanofillers through the hand lay-up technique. Two sets of composites were prepared by incorporating MWCNTs and graphene separately into the epoxy resin matrix at varying weight percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). Mechanical and viscoelastic properties were evaluated following ASTM standards, and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was performed to study their mechanical and thermal behavior.The results indicated that the incorporation of nanofillers enhanced the overall properties of the composites, with optimal performance observed at 4% weight for MWCNTs and 6% weight for graphene. Comparative analysis showed that graphene-reinforced composites exhibited superior mechanical performance, suggesting more effective dispersion and interfacial bonding within the GFRP matrix than MWCNT-based composites.Viscoelastic behavior studied DMA revealed that the storage modulus (stiffness) of graphene-reinforced composites increased across all tested temperatures and frequencies. Additionally, the glass transition temperature (Tg) shifted significantly from 95°C to 110°C, indicating restricted polymer chain mobility due to the presence of graphene nanofillers. Cole–Cole plots derived from storage and loss modulus values demonstrated that the composites followed Debye relaxation behavior. These plots also provided insights into phase heterogeneity and dispersion quality of nanofillers within the epoxy matrix. Moisture absorption tests and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis further supported the improved performance and structural characteristics of the nanocomposites.Overall, the study concludes that graphene is a more effective nanofiller than MWCNTs for enhancing the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of GFRP composites. Its superior dispersion and interaction with the polymer matrix contribute significantly to improved strength, stiffness, and thermal stability.

Keywords: Glass Fiber, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Graphene, Dynamic Mechanical Properties, Cole–Cole Plot

How to cite this article:
Rathinasabapathi G, Prasenjit Chatterjee. Synthesis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Incorporating MWCNTs and Graphene: A Study on Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Cole–Cole Representation. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Rathinasabapathi G, Prasenjit Chatterjee. Synthesis of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites Incorporating MWCNTs and Graphene: A Study on Dynamic Mechanical Behavior and Cole–Cole Representation. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=241206


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
02
Received 27/03/2026
Accepted 07/04/2026
Published 28/04/2026
Publication Time 32 Days
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