Analysis of Strength Characteristics of Epoxy Resins with a Graphene Powder

This article explores the problem of energy conversion and the related storage of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. A method of altering traditional pressure vessels using a composite material based on epoxy resin and graphene is proposed. The test plan for verifying its mechanical properties has been defined. A quantum chemical simulation in Scigress software was performed to analyse the electron distribution in the macromolecules of the epoxy resin and flake graphene. Based on the results of the strength analysis, the strength properties of the composite and the physicochemical changes at the epoxy resin-graphene. It has been proven that the epoxy resin LG 700 with 0.25% by weight of reduced graphene oxide is a potential material for the modification of pressure vessels. The reason behind it is the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin due to the reorganisation of the polymer chains in the graphene flake region. This effect supports the formation of semicrystalline regions, which can enhance mechanical properties.