Abstract
In this chapter, we report the findings of experimental investigations conducted on durability of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with and without the addition of montmorillonite nanoclay. First, neat and nanoclay-added epoxy systems were characterized to evaluate the extent of clay platelet exfoliation and dispersion of nanoclay. GFRP composite panels were then fabricated with neat/modified epoxy resin and exposed to six different conditions, i.e. hot-dry/wet, cold-dry/wet, ultraviolet radiation and alternate ultraviolet radiation–condensation. Room temperature condition samples were also used for baseline consideration. An improved dispersion of nanoclay and exfoliation of clay platelets were observed in 2wt% of epoxy samples. Weight change, discoloration and significant reduction in properties were observed in all conditioned GFRP samples. However, addition of nanoclay considerably improved the durability of GFRP samples as evident from the mechanical and micrographical results in comparison to neat samples subjected to similar conditions.
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