A Study of Nanoclay Reinforcement of Biocomposites Made by Liquid Composite Molding

Farida Bensadoun,Nadir Kchit,François Trochu,Simon Bickerton,Catherine Billotte,Edu Ruiz

doi:10.1155/2011/964193

Farida Bensadoun, Nadir Kchit + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/964193

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Abstract

Liquid composite molding (LCM) processes are widely used to manufacture composite parts for the automotive industry. An appropriate selection of the materials and proper optimization of the manufacturing parameters are keys to produce parts with improved mechanical properties. This paper reports on a study of biobased composites reinforced with nanoclay particles. A soy-based unsaturated polyester resin was used as synthetic matrix, and glass and flax fiber fabrics were used as reinforcement. This paper aims to improve mechanical and flammability properties of reinforced composites by introducing nanoclay particles in the unsaturated polyester resin. Four different mixing techniques were investigated to improve the dispersion of nanoclay particles in the bioresin in order to obtain intercalated or exfoliated structures. An experimental study was carried out to define the adequate parameter combinations between vacuum pressure, filling time, and resin viscosity. Two manufacturing methods were investigated and compared: RTM and SCRIMP. Mechanical properties, such as flexural modulus and ultimate strength, were evaluated and compared for conventional glass fiber composites (GFC) and flax fiber biocomposites (GFBiores-C). Finally, smoke density analysis was performed to demonstrate the effects and advantages of using an environment-friendly resin combined with nanoclay particles.

Highlights

Recent advances in the composites field are related to the addition of nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes, nanoclays, or silicates nanoparticles to improve the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties
Flammability of composite parts is a major concern since the considerable amount of smoke and toxic fumes released during burning restrict their use in the transport and building applications
Additives such as ammonium polyphosphate (APP) are often used as flame retardants in replacement of more toxic additives used in the past

Summary

Introduction

Recent advances in the composites field are related to the addition of nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes, nanoclays, or silicates nanoparticles to improve the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. The incorporation of nanoparticles into the liquid matrix is still a challenge, because it requires proper dispersion and exfoliation of the nanoclay. Since they are hydrophilic in their natural state and unevenly distributed, they must be organically modified to avoid agglomeration between the platelets in the dispersion media [9, 10]. This modification will increase the degree of exfoliation and increase the level of surface interaction.

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