Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene Based Unsaturated Polyester Resin Composites

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites are very promising candidates for new high-performance materials thatoffer improved mechanical, barrier, thermal and electrical properties. Herein, an approach is presented to improvethe mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) by using graphene nano sheets(GNS).The extent of dispersion of GNS into the polymer matrix was also observed by using the scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) which indicated homogeneous dispersion of GNS through the UPR matrix and strong interfacialadhesion between the GNS and UPR matrix were achieved in the UPR composite, which enhanced the mechanicalproperties. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites improved at a tune of 52% at a GNS concentration of 0.05%.Again the flexural strength also increased around 92% at a GNS concentration of 0.05%. Similarly the thermalproperties and the electrical properties for the nanocomposites were also improved as evidenced from the differentialscanning caloriemetry (DSC) and dielectric strength measurement.