TY - JOUR VL - 177 AV - none JF - Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing PB - Elsevier Ltd A1 - Malik, K. A1 - Ahmad, F. A1 - Dawood, M.S. A1 - Islam, M.S. A1 - Ali, S. A1 - Raza, A. A1 - Shahed, C.A. UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85180363142&doi=10.1016%2fj.compositesa.2023.107916&partnerID=40&md5=70d700ed40c3f5ef222176cf6f153aff N1 - cited By 4 ID - scholars19944 Y1 - 2024/// KW - Fiber bonding; Fracture toughness; Graphene; Hemp; Kenaf fibers; Shear strength; Tensile strength; Water absorption KW - Automotive applications; Epoxy; Fiber/matrix interface; Graphene nanoplatelet; Graphene nanoplatelets; High-strength; Mechanical properties enhancements; Multiphase composites; Strength to weight ratio; Uniform dispersions KW - Ductile fracture TI - Mechanical property enhancement of graphene-kenaf-epoxy multiphase composites for automotive applications N2 - Kenaf composites have a high strength-to-weight ratio, but weak fiberâ??matrix interface bonding limits their automotive use. To address this, a novel technique was developed to fabricate multiphase composites using graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), kenaf fibers, and an epoxy matrix. The composites were made using vacuum infusion molding, with the GNPs exfoliated using a bath sonicator for uniform dispersion. The composites modified with 0.2 wt GNP showed the most significant improvement in mechanical properties. Specifically, these composites exhibited a 30.5 increase in tensile strength, a 61.5 increase in tensile modulus, a 17.6 increase in flexural strength, a 22.7 increase in flexural modulus, a 35.1 increase in interlaminar shear strength, and a 17.1 increase in fracture toughness. Additionally, the water absorption resistance of the multiphase composites improved by up to 7. These improvements were attributed to the uniform dispersion of GNPs and improved interlocking with the fiber surface. The developed composite has the potential for interior parts (such as dashboards, interior walls, and luggage compartments) in the automotive vehicle. © 2023 SN - 1359835X ER -