Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/woven glass/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites: Effect of fabrication methods and types of epoxy matrices

Abstract

The hybridization of nanofillers into glass fibre reinforcement is a promising strategy to improve the properties of the composite materials. The study aims to investigate the properties of hybrid nanocomposites consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/woven glass/epoxy composites. The effect of different fabrication methods and different types of epoxy matrices was also investigated. For method 1, MWCNT was mixed with epoxy and impregnated into 3-ply woven glass fabrics using the hand lay-up method, followed by a vacuum bagging process. Meanwhile, for method 2, the woven glass fabrics were spray coated with MWCNT aqueous suspension and 3-ply woven glass fabrics were stacked together and impregnated with epoxy using the hand lay-up method followed by vacuum bagging. Results showed that composite laminates prepared by method 2 with 0.5 wt% MWCNT exhibit higher impact and flexural strength with 32.9% and 29% increments compared to method 1, respectively. Based on the flammability test, it was observed that hybrid laminate composites fabricated by both methods could self-extinguish. It was found that hybrid laminated composites using bisphenol A as an epoxy matrix show higher impact strength and flexural strength with 20.7% and 12% increments compared to epoxy bio-resins, respectively.