Effect of Nanoclay on Quasi Static Perforation of Thin-walled Polymer Composite Laminates

Abstract

In this study, the penetration and perforation performance of nanoclay reinforced unsaturated polyester resin/fibreglass nanocomposite laminates have been investigated via quasi-static indentation tests using ahemispherical nose indenter. Unsaturated polyester resin (UP) was mixed with 1.5 and 3 wt.% nanoclay using a homogenizer stirrer to prepare a homogeneous mix. UP reinforced nanocomposite was then utilized to manufacture 150 × 150 mm2 laminated composite panels using 400 g/m2 glass fibre woven roving via a hand lay-up process. X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDXA) analysis and measurement of viscosity changes in the liquid state resin confirmed the exfoliation and the intercalation of the nanoclay by the unsaturated polyester resin system used. Quasi-static perforation tests were conducted using a surface-hardened steel indenter with a hemispherical tip at 5 and 500 mm/min load rates on nanocomposite laminated plates. Measurement of the quasi-static force as a function of indenter displacement for all the specimens showed four distinct regions, namely penetration, perforation, exit and residual frictional force. The results indicated a clear role being played by the nanoclay filler as a secondary reinforcement, in terms of higher energy absorption in all four regions.