Experimental analysis on tensile properties of FRP with nano clay

Abstract

The field of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) nanocomposites is stimulating both fundamental and applied research because these nanoscale materials often exhibit mechanical, physical, and chemical properties that are dramatically different from conventional microcomposites. A large number of nanoparticles, layered fibers, and polymeric whiskers are being used for the preparation of nanocomposites. Since the Toyota research group’s pioneering work on nylon 6/layered silicate nanocomposites, polymer nanocomposites containing layered silicates have attracted much attention. These nanocomposites can exhibit increased modulus, decreased thermal expansion coefficient, increased solvent resistance, and enhanced ionic conductivity as compared to the polymer alone. Here, we have prepared FRP with nanocomposites in the combination of polyester resin, E-glass fiber, and nano-montmorillonite (nano clay). The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were studied. It results in increase of tensile strength, percent elongation and yield strength, moderate increase in Poisson ratio, and reduced area.