Experimental study on forming of nanoclay-reinforced metal–composite laminates using deep drawing process

Abstract

Forming of metal–nanocomposite laminates, including nanoclay-reinforced polypropylene and glass fiber as the core layer, and aluminum 1050-O as the skin layer, is studied. The effect of different weight percentages of nanoclay particles in the matrix, including 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt%, is investigated on the drawing depth and drawing force during the deep drawing process. The results show that by the addition of nanoclay particles, the drawing force and depth increase at first and then decrease. The highest drawing force is obtained in 3 wt% nanoclay and the highest drawing depth in 1 wt%. Besides, the lowest drawing force and depth were obtained in 7 wt% nanoclay. Comparison of the strains on the outer layers shows that the highest strain values could be observed in 1 wt%. Strains decrease due to the increase in nanoclay particles, so that the strain in 5 and 7 wt% is even less than the pure sample.