Preparation and mechanical characterisation of laminate composites made of glass fibre/epoxy resin filled with tri bloc copolymers

Laminate composites made of glass fibre/epoxy resin filled with acrylic tri-bloc copolymers (Nanostrength) have been successfully manufactured. Microstructure, thermomechanical properties and impact resistance have been investigated and compared with those of a glass fibre/epoxy resin system. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests have been conducted to determine the effect of Nanostrength on storage, loss modulus and glass transition temperature. A drop weight tower was used to perform low-velocity impact tests on laminate composites. Addition of Nanostrength to the epoxy matrix led to an increase in both strength and impact resistance of the composite. Moreover, a moderate decrease of storage modulus and glass transition temperature was observed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.