Mechanical Properties of Glass Fibre-Epoxy Based Polymer Nanocomposites

摘要

The experimental studies are conducted in this paper to optimize the three parameters for development of nanocomposite, namely (i) clay loadings, (ii) magnetic stirring time, and (iii) sonication time. Firstly polymer nanocomposites of varying contents nanoclay were prepared by using a mechanical stirrer and an ultrasound sonicator. The weight percentage of nanoclay in the nanocomposite with fixed stirring and sonication time was optimized for maximum intercalation within the polymer. After optimization of clay percentage, glass fiber based epoxy nanocomposite laminates were prepared. Nanocomposite structure was characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy, which revealed the intercalated morphology of clay layers. Nanocomposites with 2.0% nanoclay content showed better intercalation with an increased interlayer spacing. The mechanical properties (impact and flexural property) were studied using an impact tester and three point bending tester. The flexural and impact properties of laminates with nanoclay contents were found to be better.