Abstract
The effect of nanoclay content on the properties of glass fibre reinforced, waterborne epoxy laminates is investigated. Fourteen ply nanocomposite laminates containing 0, 0·1, 0·2, 0·5, 1 and 2 wt-% cloisite Na+ nanoclay are fabricated by a hot press. The interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength and flexural stiffness of the fabricated nanocomposites are characterised. In addition, the thermal stability of the laminates is investigated using thermogravimetric analysis; the state of dispersion is studied by X-ray diffraction, and the fibre–matrix adhesion is assessed using scanning electron microscopy on fracture surfaces. Mechanical properties peaked at a nanoclay loading of 0·5 wt-%. At this low nanoclay loading, the improvements in interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength and flexural stiffness were 5, 8 and 12% respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated moderate improvements in thermal stability. X-ray diffraction, on the other hand, indicated complete exfoliation of nanoclay platelets for 0·1, 0·2 and 0·5 wt-% loadings. A subtle peak appeared for nanoclay loadings of 1 and 2 wt-% at a gallery spacing of 17 Å. Scanning electron micrographs indicated improved fibre–matrix adhesion with increasing nanoclay content as evidenced by increased amount of matrix residues on the fibre bundles after fracture.
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