In this study, the impact of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles
into the matrix of aramid fiber reinforced polymer (AFRP) composites was
investigated. The GO nanoparticles were dispersed in the AFRP matrix at three
different weight percentages: 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. The fabrication of the GO
dispersed AFRP nanocomposites was achieved using the vacuum assisted resin
infusion molding (VARIM) method, and the AFRP plates were cut using a
water jet. The sectioned specimens of the fabricated nanocomposites were subjected
to low velocity impact tests. The effects of introducing GO nanoparticles
at different percentages were evaluated by analyzing the contact force, deflection,
maximum absorbed energy versus time and contact force versus deflection
curves. Finally, the key parameters of low velocity impact, including
contact force, deflection, and maximum absorbed energy, were compared for
the different fabricated AFRP nanocomposites. Based on the results, the AFRP
composite with 0.3 wt.% of GO nanoparticles exhibited the best performance
under low velocity impact loading conditions. However, the agglomeration of
nanoparticles became a significant challenge when higher percentages of GO
nanoparticles were added to the composite structure. The findings highlight
the importance of determining the optimal percentage of nano materials for
incorporation into composite structures.