ABSTRACT The development of a composite cryogenic fuel tank is desirable for the creation of a reusable single-stage launch vehicle. The cyclic loading and temperature changes experienced during launch and re-entry conditions result in the microcracking of conventional composites. To increase the fracture strength of this composite, a property often limited by the matrix, the nanoplatelet known as graphene or exfoliated graphite, has been introduced. Three nanocomposites were produced using graphene and Phenylethynyl Terminated Imide oligomer (PETI-5). The nanocomposites were machined in to flexure samples and tested at room temperature. Results from these tests indicate that the ideal concentration of graphene in our PETI-5 nanocomposite is 0.08%
