Clay Nanoparticles Research Articles

Effect of nanoclay on relaxation and breakup of polyamide 6 threads in polystyrene matrix

AbstractIn this work, we investigate the compatibilizing mechanism of nanoclay in binary polymer blends by measuring the interfacial tension of polystyrene/polyamide 6, PS/PA6, as a typical system, in the presence of nanoclay. The interfacial tension of PA6 nanocomposites and PS are determined with the breaking thread method by employing the Tomotika theory. The interfacial tension is reduced when organoclay is incorporated in the PA6 phase. To investigate the effect of the localization of nanoclay, nanoclay is intentionally located at the interface of PA6 and PS. Microscopic observations show that PA6 fiber remain unchanged and does not go through break‐up process; therefore, one can deduce that the apparent interfacial tension of the system reduces significantly when nanoclay particles saturate the interface.

Investigation on the role of nanoclay and nano calcium carbonate on morphology, rheology, crystallinity and mechanical properties of binary and ternary nanocomposites based on PLA

In this work, binary poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/nanoclay (NC), PLA/nano calcium carbonate (NCC) nanocomposites and ternary PLA/NC/NCC samples were prepared via melt mixing. The morphology, rheology, crystallinity and mechanical properties of neat PLA and prepared nanocomposites were studied. The results of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed an increase in distance between NC platelets in both binary and hybrid samples, indicating the intercalation of NC particles. It was found that in the hybrid samples, the increase in the distance between platelets was greater than the binary one. The rheological studies showed an increase in the storage modulus of samples at low frequencies in comparison to neat polymer. The tensile test showed an enhancement of modulus and tensile strength of all nanocomposite samples. The highest tensile strength was found in the hybrid sample containing 3 wt.% of NC and 7 wt.% of NCC which was 37% higher than neat PLA. Moreover, the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the crystalline temperature of hybrid sample containing 3 wt.% of NC and 7 wt.% of NCC was about 8 °C higher than that of the neat PLA, which could be due to the increase in the rate of crystallinity.

Ultrathin clay-containing layer-by-layer separator coating enhances performance of lithium-sulfur batteries

Dissolution of polysulfides upon cycling of the sulfur cathode and their diffusion through the separator membrane ‒ the shuttle effect ‒ is a major factor which deteriorates performance and safety of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Here, ultrathin, light-weight polyelectrolyte-clay layer-by-layer assemblies have been developed as versatile nanocoatings on the polypropylene (PP) separator to suppress the shuttle effect. The use of weak polyelectrolytes (polyethyleneimine, PEI, and polyacrylic acid, PAA) and montmorillonite (MMT) or halloysite (Hal) clay nanoparticles enabled full control over mass and charge balance of polyelectrolyte/clay film components, which was critical for achieving ion selectivity and reduction of the polysulfide diffusion. The differences in the geometry and structure of MMT and Hal (nanoplatelets vs. nanotubes), as well as in the pH-controlled charge density of PEI and PAA greatly affected the thickness, morphology, and the ultimate performance of the nanocoatings. In particular, deposition of 450 nm MMT-based coatings at pH 3 and 6 lead to an increase in electrolyte uptake, delayed the lithium dendrite growth and enhanced the discharge capacity of the cell from 300 mAh g−1 for bare to 690 mAh g−1 for coated PP separator over 200 charge-discharge cycles 0.5 C. At the same time, 250 nm-thick Hal-based coatings deposited at pH 3 resulted in an increase in the Coulombic efficiency from 50% for the bare PP separator to ~99% for the coated one, showing an outstanding performance. Additionally, the polyelectrolyte-clay nanocoatings significantly improve thermal and dimensional stability of the PP separator. The results demonstrate that ultrathin LbL clay-containing coatings on the PP separator membrane can drastically improve the cyclability of the Li-S cells.

The efficacy of nanoclay loading in the medium velocity impact resistance of kenaf/PLA biocomposites

This work focused on investigating the efficacy of clay nanoparticles loading in the medium velocity impact resistance of kenaf/polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Kenaf/PLA biocomposites with different nanoclay loadings of 0, 3, 5 and 7% by weight were fabricated and their medium velocity impact resistance tested on a gas gun. Results indicate that the addition of nanoclay in the biocomposites improved the medium velocity impact resistance of the biocomposites, specifically the perforation threshold limit, energy absorbed, crack and damage resistance. Improvements on these properties were thought to be due to enhancements brought about by the nanoclays on interfacial bonding and microstructural properties of the biocomposites revealed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The nanoclays reduced the micro-voids thereby improving bonding between PLA and kenaf fibres. SEM–EDX analysis detected silicon and aluminium elements which were from the nanoclays and the elemental maps showed that all the elements were uniformly distributed in all cases with good dispersion of the nanoclays. However, incidences of nanoclay agglomeration were observed at 7 wt% nanoclay content which had adverse effects on the biocomposites properties. Optimum results were achieved with 5 wt% nanoclay content, beyond which a reduction in the medium velocity impact resistance was observed. The perforation threshold, energy absorption capacity, resistance to damage and prevention of crack propagation increased by 41.9, 109, 26.5 and 28.9%, respectively, at the 5 wt% nanoclay content level. The study shows that the addition of nanoclay improves the impact properties of kenaf/PLA biocomposites within the medium velocity range. The novel nanoclay impregnated biocomposite material developed is suitable for applications where good impact properties are required.

Improvement of Leather Flame Retardancy through Nano Clay Addition

Leather is widely used in various industries including apparel, safety clothing, aircraft and automotive, due to its unique properties such as softness, air permeability, chemical resistance, high flexibility and reasonable mechanical resistance. Since leather products usually contain flammable organic compounds such as tanning, fatliquoring, dyeing and finishing materials, improvement of its flame retardancy is very important. A lot of flame retardants have been synthesized and applied to improve flame retardancy of leather. One of the best materials is nanoclay because it is easily available, environment-friendly and has a low cost. In this research, we propose a process that reduces the burning length of the leather and increases its thermal stability. For this purpose, clay nanoparticles by 1, 3, and 5 mass percent (relative to wet leather mass) were added to wet-blue bovine and goat leather under certain (temperature and time) conditions during the re-tanning process. The results of the TGA test on bovine leather samples showed that by increasing the amount of nanoclay, the thermal stability of samples was increased. SEM images prepared from the grain and cross-sections of bovine and goat leather samples showed that with a high percentage of nanoclay, particle agglomeration is partially visible. The results of the vertical flammability test also showed that the presence of clay nanoparticles reduced the burning length of leather samples. Tensile strength of bovine leather samples containing clay nanoparticles increased compared to the control sample. However, the tear strength of them did not differ significantly.

Effects of interlayer density and surfactant on coupled thermal stress and moisture absorption in modified montmorillonite/polypropylene nanocomposite

AbstractModified montmorillonite/polypropylene nanocomposites (NCs) are increasingly used in industrial applications such as subsea pipelines because hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium montmorillonite (HDTMA+‐Mt) enhances thermomechanical and barrier properties of the amorphous polymer. Two coupled physics of moisture adsorption and thermal loading are investigated. Molecular dynamics simulates HDTMA+‐Mt polymer NC using three force fields including polymer consistent force field and condensed‐phase optimized molecular potentials, and embedded‐atom method. Mechanical properties and self‐diffusion coefficient are investigated at temperature levels of 100 and 298 K, and water content of 0.021 and 0.133 g/g. These properties are evaluated at 1.0 atm pressure for four different volume fractions (vol%) of the HDTMA+‐Mt. The modeling procedure is verified by obtaining the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the NC by scanning the temperature from 200 K (glassy state) up to 325 K (rubbery state). It is observed that the Tg is very close to the experimental value available in the literature. The result of the modeling shows that the increase of clay content of the NC decreases the self‐diffusion coefficient of the material. It is seen that the clay nanoparticle can significantly hinder the degradation of mechanical properties of the NC even when both temperature and water content increase.

Investigating the High Velocity Impact Behavior of the Laminated Composites of Aluminum/Jute Fibers- Epoxy Containing Nanoclay Particles

In this research work, the effect of adding nanoclay on the high velocity impact behavior of fibers metal laminates (FMLs) of aluminum- Jute fibers/epoxy was investigated. To do so, the nanoclay particles with different percentages (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt.%) were firstly added into the epoxy matrix. In the following, the FMLs with the configuration of 0/90/0/90/0 were made by hand lay-up method. After that, the fabricated samples were tested by high velocity impact test. In order to investigate the effect of nanoparticles on the impact properties, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used. The obtained results showed that the samples with 0, 1, 3 and 5 wt.% had the limit velocity of 81.9, 83.7, 87.4 and 85.4 m/s, respectively. The limit velocity increment in these samples by adding nanoclay were 2.2, 6.7 and 4.3 %, respectively. Also, the obtained results showed that by adding the 1, 3 and 5 wt.% nanoclay, the absorbed energy was improved about 4.5, 14 and 8.8 %, respectively. The sample with 3 wt.% nanoclay had minimum delamination length between aluminum shell and composite core, which was due to the effect of nanoclay in the interface adhesion of core-shell. The microscopically analysis showed that the nanoclay increased the fibrillation of Jute fibers as one of the absorbed energy mechanisms in the Jute fibers. Also, the agglomeration phenomenon in the sample with the 5 wt.% nanoclay was illustrated, which was the decreasing factor of its impact properties, as comparison with sample with 3 wt.% nanoclay.

Physical properties, thermal and fungal resistance of Scots pine wood treated with nano-clay and several metal-oxides nanoparticles

ABSTRACT Today’s wood protection technology adopts copper-based chemical substances as the widely utilized material. Besides the adverse effect on human health, it also showed negative impact on organisms. To prevent this, a new method using of nano-sized chemical substances in wood preservation was being investigated. In this work, the effects of nano-clay and nano-sized particles of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium oxide (TiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), and magnesium oxide (MgO) impregnation on the wood samples were investigated. Samples from Scots pine wood were impregnated with the nanoparticles. Besides that, samples with second impregnation of 10% polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were also prepared to investigate the improvement in wood properties. The physical and thermal properties of the samples were tested as well as biodegradation against the brown-rot fungus Coniophora puteana. Impregnation of nanoparticles slightly affect the water absorption properties, but second impregnation with 10% PMMA reduced the water absorption up to 20%. The lowest water absorption and the highest water repellencies after 336 h in water were determined on the samples treated with 10% nano-clay-PMMA and MgO-PMMA treatments. Water repellent efficiency and anti-swelling efficiency were also increased by addition of 10% PMMA with little decrement after longer soaking time. The highest ASE was found on the samples treated with 15% of nano-clay and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) with PMMA. Results also showed that impregnation of nanoparticles provides good protection against the tested fungi with the highest degradation was only 3.88% for Al2O3, compared to control sample with 20.26% weight loss. In conclusion, the applied nanoparticles are suitable substances to increase the durability of pine wood.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the colloidal interaction between smectite clay nanoparticles in liquid water

Colloidal interactions between clay nanoparticles have been studied extensively because of their strong influence on the hydrology and mechanics of many soils and sedimentary media. The predominant theory used to describe these interactions is the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) model, a framework widely applied in colloidal and interfacial science that accurately predicts the interactions between charged surfaces across water films at distances greater than ~ 3 nm (i.e., ten water monolayers). Unfortunately, the DLVO model is inaccurate at the shorter interparticle distances that predominate in most subsurface environments. For example, it inherently cannot predict the existence of equilibrium states wherein clay particles adopt interparticle distances equal to the thickness of one, two, or three water monolayers. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have the potential to provide detailed information on the free energy of interaction between clay nanoparticles; however, they have only been used to examine clay swelling and aggregation at interparticle distances below 1 nm. We present the first MD simulation predictions of the free energy of interaction of smectite clay nanoparticles in the entire range of interparticle distances from the large interparticle distances where the DLVO model is accurate (>3 nm) to the short-range swelling states where non-DLVO interactions predominate (<1 nm). Our simulations examine a range of salinities (0.0 to 1.0 M NaCl) and counterion types (Na, K, Ca) and establish a detailed picture of the breakdown of the DLVO model. In particular, they confirm previous theoretical suggestions of the existence of a strong non-DLVO attraction with a range of ~ 3 nm arising from specific ion-clay Coulomb interactions in the electrical double layer.

Silane and methyl-methacrylate based nanocomposites as coatings for concrete exposed to salt solutions and cyclic environments

This study aimed at investigating the efficiency of polymeric nanocomposites as superficial treatments for concrete subjected to aggravated exposures. Silane and methyl-methacrylate were used as base resins, in which nano-clay and nano-silica particles were mixed at different concentrations (0, 5, and 10%). The nanocomposites were applied to inferior and good quality [water-to-binder ratios of 0.60 and 0.40, respectively] concretes, and their effects on transport/barrier properties were evaluated in terms of penetrability and absorption/desorption percentages. Moreover, the durability of coated concrete was assessed under severe conditions: physical salt attack (PSA) and salt-frost scaling. The degradation mechanisms and coatings’ functionality were studied by mineralogical, thermal, and microstructural tests. Results showed that silane/nanocomposites were effective at enhancing the barrier properties of concrete, thus mitigating PSA and salt-frost scaling for sound and cracked concretes. Methyl-methacrylate/nanocomposites, especially at 5% dosage, were efficient at resisting PSA of concrete; but, they failed in the salt-frost scaling exposure.

Investigation of the Effect of Nano Particles on Visco-elastic Behaviour of CFRP Hybrid Nanocomposites

The aim of the study is to do an experimental analysis and investigation of visco-elastic behaviour of CFRP hybrid nanocomposites, which contains the small percentage of nanoclay and nanoZnO particles mixed for the improvement in the various properties of the CFRP composites. Also there is try to focus on the combined effect of another variable, i.e., fiber angle of orientation along with changing the percentage of nano particles.A hand layup method followed by process of vacuum bagging was used to make the samples of composite. Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) was used to inspect the dynamic mechanical properties of CFRP hybrid nanocomposite specimens with changing temperature. The OVAT analysis is carried out for three mentioned variables and studied effect of variables on the various visco elastic properties like flexural storage modulus, loss modulus, Glass transition temperature and tan etc. It is found that due to the presence of nano particles there is tremendous change in the value of storage modulus ,it gets almost doubled, i.e., 200%because of the presence of nano particles. The experimental result also shows the positive effect on the loss modulus because of the nano particle contribution .Similarly there is considerable change in GTT(Glass transmission temperature) and change in length in DMA (Dynamic mechanical analysis ).

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

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.

Electrochemical and Mechanical Studies of Epoxy Coatings Containing Eco-Friendly Nanocomposite Consisting of Silane Functionalized Clay–Epoxy on Mild Steel

In this study, new clay/silane/epoxy nanocomposites (CSE nanocomposite) were fabricated to enhance the corrosion resistance of epoxy resin. The surface of the clay is modified using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The functionalized clay nanoparticle was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The fabricated clay nanocomposites coated mild steel was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies in 3.5% NaCl solution for various days. The experiments indicated that the best epoxy coating performance was obtained by the incorporation of functionalized clay nanoparticles 4 wt% in the epoxy resin. The coated mild steel by CSE nanocomposites showed higher coating resistance (Rc = 238,967 Ω cm2) than that of neat epoxy coating (Rc = 129,532 Ω cm2). Mechanical properties of the coatings were also found to be improved in the presence of modified clay nanoparticle in tensile and hardness measurements. The use of nanoclays enhanced the anticorrosive behavior and physical integrity of the polymer–clay coatings under immersion tests. The surface morphology of the coated sample was analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. XRD analysis confirms the formation of metal complexes as the corrosion products at 40 days of immersion in 3.5% NaCl solution.

Mechanical and thermal properties of modified Georgian and Brazilian clay infused biobased epoxy nanocomposites

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of nanocomposite system with bio-based epoxy resin (Super SAP 100/1000, contains 37% bio-based carbon content) and natural clays including Georgian clay and Brazilian clay. Georgian clay was surface modified using an ultrasound processing in presence of Decalin. Brazilian clay was modified to organophilic bentonite using quaternary ammonium salts. The resulting nano clay particles were characterized using XRD and TEM to confirm the particle size reduction and uniform distribution. The as-fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using flexure, DMA, TMA and TGA. The flexure analysis showed that the modified clay composites have significant improvement in strength (23–38%) and modulus (28–37%). Delayed thermal degradation was observed from TGA analysis which showed that the major degradation temperatures improved from 7°-25°C. DMA and TMA analysis showed improvements in storage moduli (4–6%) and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) (6–64%), respectively. The notable improvement in thermal and mechanical properties suggested the effective dispersion and the high degree of polymer particle interaction. The bio based content present in the Super Sap 100/1000 acts as plasticizer resulting in the extensive ductility of the polymer.

Characterization of carboxymethyl cellulose-based active films incorporating non-modified and Ag or Cu-modified Cloisite 30B and montmorillonite nanoclays

Physico-mechanical and antibacterial properties of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based films incorporating Cloisite 30B (C30B) and montmorillonite (MMT) clay nanoparticles (NPs) modified with Ag and Cu ions were investigated. X-Ray diffraction patterns for modified clays with Ag and Cu ions showed that they were effectively located in the interlayer space of C30B and MMT clay NPs and increased their interlayer spacing. Scanning electron microscopy showed a smooth and homogeneous structure for a pure CMC film. Films containing MMT had coarser and more heterogeneous surface compared to C30B film, suggesting a better dispersion of modified C30B in the matrix of CMC. Mechanical analysis showed that films containing Ag- or Cu-modified C30B NPs exhibited higher tensile strength than that of MMT films. The ultraviolet spectroscopy showed that nanocomposite films containing Ag modified C30B had the highest UV absorption compared to other samples. Water vapor permeability of CMC films loaded by Ag- or Cu-modified C30B and MMT NPs significantly decreased compared to those of non-modified types and control. Microbial tests revealed that Ag-modified clay NPs had significantly higher antibacterial activity than Cu-modified types against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. Films loaded with non-modified C30B NPs had the second most antibacterial effect followed by non-modified MMT NPs and control films.

Transparent regenerated cellulose bionanocomposite film reinforced by exfoliated montmorillonite with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane bearing amino groups

ABSTRACT Here, transparent films were prepared from regenerated cellulose. Microcrystalline cellulose was solubilized in N,N-dimethylacetamide with lithium chloride. Exchange of organic solvent for water resulted in the gelation of solution. Transparent hydrogel served then for stable film preparation. No cellulose chemical modification and cross-linking was applied. To reinforce films, 5 wt% montmorillonite was added. Both pristine and modified clay was used. Modification was provided through intercalation by synthesized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) bearing eight amino groups. Examination of films with modified montmorillonite revealed its exfoliation for clay nanoparticles and POSS in the course of their preparation. In that case, a significant increase of tensile strength and elongation at break was observed, while a notable decrease of transparency for the UV part of the sun spectrum was also observed, which is important for the UV protection by cellulosic materials.

Recent trend in developing advanced fiber metal laminates reinforced with nanoparticles: A review study

Recently, fiber metal laminates (FMLs) have attracted considerable application in many industries due to their outstanding properties. FMLs are hybrid materials that are fabricated by adhesion of thin layers of metals and fiber-reinforced composites. It should be noted that the reinforcing mechanisms of nanoparticles on the polymeric composites have been well-established, but there is limited literature regarding the influence of nanoparticles on the mechanical behavior of FMLs and adhesively bonded joints (ABJs) between metal sheets and polymeric composites. To date, various nanofillers including carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, clay nanoparticles and oxide nanoparticles have been used for improving the mechanical properties of FMLs, and ABJs. The performed studies revealed that the efficiency of nanoparticles in improving the properties of FMLs and ABJs mainly dependent on various factors such as surface treatment of metal sheets, type of nanoparticles, the morphology of nanoparticles, the size of samples, fabrication parameters, etc. However, the effects of parameters on the properties of FMLs and ABJs reinforced with nanoparticles have not considerably discussed in the literature. This review paper aims to review the existing related papers regarding the effects of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of FMLs and ABJs in the term of adhesion between metal sheets and polymers.

Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on Gas-barrier Property of Biaxially Drawn Nylon/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Films

This study aimed to improve the properties, such as tensile strength and gas barrier properties, of nylon/montmorillonite nanocomposite films for them to be better suited for packaging applications. In this study, organic/inorganic nanocomposite films were fabricated by melt compounding with a twin-screw extruder using a polyamide (m-xylene diamine 6 nylon; MXD6) as the polymer matrix and organic nanoclay (montmorillonite; MMT) as a filler. An electron beam (EB) was irradiated onto the fabricated nanocomposite film and its effects on the film properties were examined. Biaxial drawing and annealing were conducted after EB irradiation to investigate the orientation of molecular chains and crystallization. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the clay nanoparticles were finely dispersed in the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the EB irradiation-induced polymer crosslinking was verified by measuring the gel content in the films. Finally, the thermal properties of the film were verified by differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), and the light transmittance was examined using a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Application of the sequential process of EB irradiation, biaxial drawing, and annealing on the MXD6/MMT-5 wt% nanocomposite films increased their tensile strength by 56% and decreased thermal shrinkage by 26%, with a minimal loss of the optical transparency. Increasing both nanoclay contents and draw ratios resulted in improved oxygen-gas barrier properties. In particular, the gas barrier property of the MXD6/MMT-5 wt% film approximately doubled compared with that of the untreated specimen. The thermal analysis by DSC revealed that the crystallinity decreased because of the addition of MMT and the EB irradiation.

Quantitative measurement of nanoparticle release from rubber composites during fabrication and testing

Carbon black has been a key ingredient in high-performance composites, such as tire rubber, for over a hundred years. This reinforcing filler increases rubber rigidity and reduces tire wear, among many other useful effects. New nanomaterials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, may bring new performance improvements. However, their usefulness cannot be evaluated unless worker safety is assured by demonstrating that the nanoparticles are not released at harmful concentrations during manufacture and testing. Here, we present a flexible, general method for the quantitative evaluation of nanoparticle release from rubber nanocomposites. We evaluate manufacturing steps such as powder handling, uncured rubber milling, and curing. We also evaluate particle emission during cured rubber abrasion as an aggressive example of the testing rubber goods are subjected to. We quantify released nanoparticle concentrations for clay nanoparticles, graphene-like materials, and carbon nanotubes. We also describe a mechanistic framework based on the balance of adhesive and kinetic energies, which helps understand when nanoparticles are or are not released. This method contributes to the assessment of workers’ exposure to nanoparticles during the various stages of the industrial process, which is an essential step in managing the risk associated with the use of nanomaterials in manufacturing.

The Effects of Nanosilica and Nanoclay Particles Inclusions on Mode II Delamination, Thermal and Water Absorption of Intraply Woven Carbon/Aramid Hybrid Composites

Abstract The effects of nanosilica (NS) and nanoclay (NC) particle inclusions on mode II delamination and thermal properties as well as water absorption capability of carbon/aramid fiber reinforced hybrid composites (CAFRE) were experimentally investigated at different nanoparticle contents. NS and NC particles modified CAFRE samples were reinforced with intraply woven and twill weave of carbon and aramid fibers, and were manufactured by using hot mold press assisted with hand-layup method. Various thermal properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity were experimentally measured with respect to NS and NC particle weight contents according to ISO-22007 standard. In addition, the water absorption test was performed according to ASTM D570-98 standard. Results from this study showed that addition of NS and NC particles improved mode II delamination toughness of CAFRE composites at 1.5 wt% and 2 wt% of NS and NC particle contents, respectively. Water absorption capacity of the CAFRE samples was increased as increasing NS and NC weigh contents while thermal tests showed that thermal diffusivity values increased, and specific heat decreased with increasing both NC and NS particle weight contents.