Optimization of Curing Conditions and Nanofiller Incorporation for Production of High Performance Laminated Kevlar/Epoxy Nanocomposites

Abstract

Kevlar composite materials are getting scientific interest in repairing of oil and gas pipelines in both offshore and onshore due to their unique properties. Curing is one of the major factor in deciding the final mechanical performance of laminated Kevlar/epoxy nanocomposites. The parameters such as curing time, temperature and applied pressure during the hot pressing will affect chemistry of crosslinking of the epoxy matrix and interaction of epoxy with the Kevlar fiber. The present study is carried out to evaluate the optimal curing conditions of the Kevlar/epoxy nanocomposites. Three different nanofillers (namely Multi walled Carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3)) are incorporated in different weight percentage. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) tests are carried out to determine the thermal stability and optimal curing conditions. Mechanical performance is investigated by conducting flexure, and drop weight tests. The results show that, the optimal curing temperature for maximizing the mechanical properties is at 170°C. Peeling off the Kevlar layers are observed for nanocomposite samples cured under 100°C. Mechanical strength of the composites is enhanced by optimizing the curing conditions and nanofiller contents.

Investigation on the Durability of E-Glass/Epoxy Composite Exposed to Seawater at Elevated Temperature

“…Therefore, the mass loss of the E-glass epoxy composite specimens during immersion at 90 • C can be described as the release of CO 2 shown in Equation (2). At this immersion temperature, the sustained release of CO 2 is responsible for the increase of mass loss of the composite [67,78,79].…”

“…Furthermore, glass fibers are simple to manufacture, economical, less fragile and high chemical resistant compared to carbon fiber. However, GFRPs face challenges in various environmental surroundings such as UV, seawater, alkaline and various other corrosive environmental conditions [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Polymer matrix composites trap water in voids at high temperatures and are often fused into hydroxyl radicals of the epoxy polymers [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Impact of Prolonged Exposure of Eleven Years to Hot Seawater on the Degradation of a Thermoset Composite

“…Furthermore, glass fibers are simple to manufacture, economical, less fragile and have high chemical resistance when compared with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). However, GFRPs are prone to harsh environment conditions such as UV, seawater, alkaline and corrosive conditions [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. At high temperatures, polymer-based composites trap water in voids and are often fused into hydroxyl radicals of the epoxy polymers [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Chemical synthesis of nanocomposites via in-situ polymerization of aniline and iodoaniline using exchanged montmorillonite

“…13 Polymer composites incorporated with nanofiller is of great interest due to its enhanced properties. [14][15][16] Polymer nanocomposites can be prepared by mixing technique, 9,17,18 injection molding, 19,20 compression molding, 21,22 stir casting, 23,24 freeze drying 25 and continuous lamination process. 26 Nano-PANI and its derivative can be synthesized by emulsion polymerization techniques 27 and phase transfer polymerization.…”

“…31 Composites of several conducting polymers with montmorillonite were synthesized under different conditions. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Lee et al 36 synthesized intercalated PANI/MMT (sodium treated) nanocomposites with various PANI fractions. Their study shows clearly that, the physical interaction between the clay and PANI ameliorated the electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the composites.…”