Interfacial characterization of functionalized graphene-epoxy composites

The interface of graphene/epoxy was studied using molecular dynamics simulations by calculating the work of separation and traction-separation responses in the normal mode. The influence of functionalization of the graphene layers on the traction-separation behaviour was also examined by grafting hydroxyl, carboxyl, and carbonyl groups. It is shown that the magnitude of the maximum traction is clearly larger for functionalized graphene/epoxy systems as compared to pristine graphene. The work of adhesion also shows a clear difference in the interface behaviour of functionalized graphene/epoxy and pristine/epoxy systems with the presence of functional groups generating higher values of work of separation.