Hybrid epoxy nanocomposites: lightweight materials for structural applications

The processing parameters, namely, clay loading, magnetic stirring time and sonication time, were optimized for the dispersion of two types of clay into an epoxy and into chopped strand mat (CSM) glass fiber-based epoxy nanocomposite laminates. A vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding setup was used to fabricate these laminates. Optimizations were performed based on improvements in Young's modulus. The intercalated and exfoliated distributions of clay in the composites were confirmed using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The transmission electron micrographs of optimized specimens showed a well-ordered intercalated structure within the epoxy. Using optimized processing conditions, three layered laminates of CSM, woven roving glass fibers or both were prepared with epoxy and clay for the preparation of new lightweight hybrid epoxy nanocomposites. The tensile, flexural and impact properties of these hybrid nanocomposites were investigated. A combination of the two types of glass fibers produced promising results. Polymer Journal (2012) 44, 334-339; doi:10.1038/pj.2011.140; published online 18 January 2012