Quasi-static compression characterization of binary nanoclay/graphene reinforced carbon/epoxy composites subjected to seawater conditioning

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) materials are superior to other conventional materials because of their high strength to weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and moisture resistance. FRPC materials are preferred in many high-end applications such as marine, automobile, aerospace, and advanced sporting goods. The aim of this study was to investigate the in-plane quasi-static compressive and durability studies of nanophased FRPC materials. Composite samples were fabricated using unmodified epoxy and epoxy modified with montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and a combination of the two as a binary reinforcement with carbon fibers. Quasi-static compression tests were conducted for mechanical property evaluation. Seawater conditioning was performed for a six-month period both at room and arctic cold temperatures. The results indicated that addition of GNP and MMT improved the compressive properties of carbon/epoxy composites compared to unmodified carbon samples. Specific compressive strength and modulus of GNP infused samples improved by 30 and 41% respectively; the samples showed a relatively higher strain to failure than the unmodified samples. Specific compressive strength and modulus increased by 32 and 47%, respectively, for carbon/epoxy samples with MMT reinforcement. Performance of hybrid carbon/ glass/epoxy composites was lower compared to other FRPC materials considered in the study. The mode of failure of fractured samples investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a rough morphology after incorporation of nanoparticles into the polymer matrix. This is indicative of enhanced interfacial bonding between carbon/epoxy and the nanoparticles.

Fatigue analysis and fracture toughness of graphene reinforced carbon fibre polymer composites

“…[19][20][21] In addition, high aspect ratio of GnPs along with presence of functional groups on their surface increase fibre-matrix interaction and hence improve interfacial bonding. [22][23][24][25][26] However, the use of increased amount of GnPs degrades mechanical properties because of the nanoparticles' agglomeration. [27][28][29][30][31] Though significant researches have been carried out to study the mechanical properties of GnPs-polymer composites, the study on the mechanical properties of GnP added FRPs is scarce.…”

Effect of Salt Fog Spray and Ultraviolet Exposure on the Fracture Surface Morphology of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

“…Nanoparticles as a secondary reinforcement tend to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of matrix material as well as improve the interfacial bond between fiber and matrix [3]. Various organic and inorganic nanoparticles have been investigated by many researchers [4]. Even a small percentage of nanoparticle addition significantly influences mechanical properties of FRPC materials [5].…”

Flexural fatigue and fracture toughness behavior of nanoclay reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites

“…Among several approaches to achieve this objective, addition of nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix has been considered to be the most promising to improve transverse mechanical properties in the FRPCs. 8,16 Green et al added carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in epoxy matrix and observed 20% and 26% increased flexural strength and modulus of CFRPCs, respectively. 17 Addition of AlO 2 and TiO 2 nanoparticles significantly improved fatigue crack resistance of the epoxy matrix.…”