Effect of Graphene Oxide on Performance and Failure Mechanism of Silane‐Treated Basalt Fiber/Epoxy Nanocomposites

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of graphene oxide (GO) loading on the physical, mechanical, and environmental properties of silane‐treated basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) nanocomposite laminates. GO nanofillers were incorporated into the epoxy matrix to enhance matrix stiffness along with fiber–matrix interfacial bonding. Laminates were manufactured via hand lay‐up by integrating 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.65 wt% of GO using magnetic stirring and ultrasonication techniques in BFRP. Mechanical testing unveiled pronounced static enhancements, with 0.4 wt% GO composites exhibiting 12.76% higher tensile strength and 54.22% higher flexural strength relative to neat laminate, attributed to improved filler dispersion as well as matrix–filler adhesion. Property assessment further demonstrated superior Shore D hardness, a 30.43% reduction in 20‐h creep strain, and the lowest moisture uptake at 0.4 wt% GO. Conversely, dynamic Charpy impact toughness peaked at 0.2 wt% GO (56.94% higher than baseline), revealing a distinct strength‐toughness trade‐off. SEM fractography, EDX analysis and Raman spectroscopy corroborated these outcomes, confirming crack deflection at optimal loadings and severe agglomeration at 0.65 wt% GO. The results demonstrate that optimized GO dispersion improves the mechanical performance and environmental durability of BFRP laminates, supporting their potential use in high‐performance engineering applications.