Advanced scratch and wear resistance on polyester composites with graphene oxide: An experimental approach

Abstract

Nanomaterial-reinforced polyester composites have recently emerged as a promising solution to enhance mechanical properties, such as wear and scratch resistance, for industrial applications. The experimental behavior in the wear and scratch resistance of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-reinforced polyester nanocomposites at different weight percentages, namely 0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%, is investigated in this paper. Graphene oxide was reduced using the Hummers method, and nanocomposites were fabricated through the molding technique. Wear tests, scratch tests, and hardness tests were done on samples, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to evaluate dispersion and structure of rGO within the matrix. The sample containing 0.4 wt% rGO exhibited approximately 20% improvement in both wear and scratch resistance compared to neat polyester, primarily due to the uniform distribution of rGO confirmed by SEM micrographs.These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of rGO as a reinforcing agent in polyester composites and suggest its suitability for use in applications requiring enhanced surface durability and mechanical reliability. © The Author(s) 2025