Novelties of 3-D woven composites and nanocomposites

This research is aimed to investigate the mechanical behaviour of 3-D woven fabrics as compared to 2-D woven fabrics and subsequently to check its suitability for composite applications. Mechanical tests especially related to ballistic protection of these fabrics were carried out to see the effect of fabric structure on its mechanical properties. The tensile test showed higher strength for 3-D fabrics as compared to 2-D fabrics. Improvement in the breaking load and energy absorption of 3-D fabrics was also observed in the impact test. Furthermore, applicability of 2-D and 3-D glass woven fabrics for composites was also studied in this work. An exploratory work has been carried out in the field of three phase composite in which fly ash nanoparticles were incorporated in addition with glass fabrics while preparing composites. These fly ash nanoparticles were prepared by high-energy ball milling technique and its effects on mechanical properties of composites were observed. Three-point bending flexural test showed higher flexural strength and modulus of 3-D woven composite and addition of nanoparticles further enhanced the properties of composites. Impact test analysis revealed that the 3-D woven glass fabric/epoxy composites exhibit superior breaking load and total energy than those with 2-D plain woven fabric as reinforcement.