Characterization of layered silicate/S2-glass/epoxy nanocomposites for structural application

摘要

Hybrid nanocomposites have been successfully fabricated by vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VAR1M) technique using epoxy as matrix and Cloisite 30B nanoclays and S2-glass fiber as reinforcements. The intercalation behavior of the nanoclays in the composites was investigated using transmission electron microscope (TEM). A systematic study was carried out to investigate the effects of different weight fractions (1,2, and 3 wt. %) of nanoclays on tensile properties of hybrid nanocomposites. The hybrid nanocomposites shows a maximum improvement of 18.3% in tensile strength for the clay content of 1 wt.% and a significant improvement in tensile modulus of 57.50% is noticed for the 3 wt.% clay content. The infusion of small amount of nanoclay in the epoxy matrix enhances their mechanical properties significantly.