Characterization of MWCNT/Nanoclay Binary Nanoparticles Modified Composites and Fatigue Performance Evaluation of Nanoclay Modified Fiber Reinforced Composites.

摘要

In this research, composites were modified with binary nanoparticles consist of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nanoclays together. First, epoxy SC-15 resin was reinforced with MWCNTs and nanoclays separately and together as binary nanoparticles and thus, nanocomposites were fabricated. To achieve uniform dispersion of nanoparticles different techniques were used. MWCNTs were dispersed utilizing ultrasonication and three roll shear mixing. Nanoclay was dispersed with ultrasonication and magnetic stirring techniques. For binary nanoparticles all three techniques was used to achieve uniform dispersion. Nanocomposite samples were subjected to various tests to obtain mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties. Nanocomposites exhibited substantial improvement in almost all tests compared to the control epoxy composites. Binary nanoparticles increased flexural strength and modulus 29% and 44% respectively. Moreover, about 25% improvement in viscoelastic properties and 30% decrease in coefficient of thermal expansion were observed for binary nanoparticles reinforcement. Morphological analysis revealed higher resistance to crack propagation was offered by binary nanoparticles. Then, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy SC-15 composites were modified with binary nanoparticles. Carbon fiber/epoxy composites were also modified with MWCNTs and nanoclays separately to compare the properties. Carbon fiber/epoxy composites with and without nanoparticles were subjected to tensile and flexure test, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermomechanical analysis as well as morphological analysis. Binary nanoparticles modified carbon fiber/epoxy composites exhibited improvement in flexural strength and modulus. Storage modulus, loss modulus and glass transition temperature increased as well. Coefficient of thermal expansion decreased before and after glass transition temperature.