Abstract
Incorporating nanofillers in epoxy resin is a novel approach to improve the mechanical properties of polymer composites. Recent studies discloses that the inclusion of nanofillers such as SiC, CNT, alumina and nanoclay into epoxies at micro and nanoscale levels enhances the mechanical properties of epoxies. In this research, the improved mechanical properties of nanoclay modified carbon/glass fibre-reinforced polymer nanocomposite (FRPNC) were investigated. The neat DGEBA epoxy resin was modified with nanoclay at different wt % (0.5- 2wt %) by ultrasonication process for achieving better dispersion of nanofillers. The modified polymer laminates were fabricated with unidirectional carbon/glass fibres with the stacking sequences of (0°G/0°G/0°C)S using hand lay-up process. The mechanical properties such as mode III delamination toughness, tensile strength and flexural strength were investigated using servo controlled hydraulic universal testing machine and 3-point bending test setup respectively. The highly cross linked structure between epoxy and nanoclay particles improves the mode III fracture toughness, tensile and flexural properties. The damage mechanisms of fractured specimens are characterised by SEM images.
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