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Synthesis, mechanical & thermal properties of clay /epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with short woven glass fiber reel

M.Ashok Kumar, K.Hemachandra Reddy, G.Ramachandra Reddy, Y.Venkata Mohana Reddy, N.Subbarami Reddy

Mechanical properties viz. compression strength, comp. modulus, impact strength, and hardness are studies to assess the influence of nanoclay mixed with modified epoxy reinforced with weave glass fiber reel (WGFR). Clay/epoxy nanocomposites are prepared by high shear mechanical mixer followed by ultra-sonicator is used to obtain homogeneous mixture of epoxy and clay with the help of in situ polymerization. Clay is surface modified with 25-30% trimethyl stearyl ammonium.A9 vol.% weave glass fiber is dismantled and cut in to 20 mm short lengths. Mechanical properties of nanocomposites are improved by clay addition due to improved interface between the glass fiber and epoxy. Mechanical properties are performed on (epoxy +WGFR + clay) nanocomposites as a function of clay respectively. The quantity of clay dispersed in to the epoxy system, by weight, is 0, 2, 3, 5, and 12 wt. %. Compression strength, comp. modulus, impact strength, and hardness are improved up to 5 wt % clay, degraded when clay content is further increased. Author found optimally improved mechanical properties at 5 wt. % clay content. Chemical resistance is increased significantly for all chemicals except sodium carbonate. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is conducted on the sample fracture surfaces in order to find reasons behind the fluctuation of properties are caused due to increase in viscosity. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) experiments are performed on clay/epoxy nanocomposites reinforced with WGFR.