Material characterization of graphene and boron nitride for composites reinforcement

Abstract In this research work, the characterization studies and property evaluation of graphene and boron nitride were performed through various devices/techniques like Particle Size Analyzer, Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). This experimental work is focused on validating the suitability of graphene and boron nitride for use as reinforcement materials for fabricating ceramic matrix composites. The parameters influencing the properties of graphene and boron nitride such as phase change, particle size, number of layers, defects, and the presence of oxygen groups were analyzed and presented. This work is also presented through TGA to ascertain the effect of various factors on graphene and boron nitride such as degradation of carbon and nitride region and also maximum mass change rate (Tmax) due to temperature. It also provides an insight into the graphene’s behaviour in a zero-air environment, showing that the breakdown begins at temperatures below 250 °C and peaks at 850 °C. In which a lower quantity of weight loss occurs therefore in a nitrogen atmosphere at 250 °C. Graphene decomposes at a rate of 69.94 wt% in a zero-air environment, but just 8.78 wt% and also In nitrogen, the breakdown weight percentage of boron nitride is 3.54%, while in a zero-air environment, it is 11.99%.