An experimental investigation on the effect of incorporation of different nanofillers on the mechanical characterization of fiber metal laminate

This study attempts to enhance the mechanical properties of Glare fiber-metal laminate by adding several types of nanofillers. These nanofillers are aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), titanium oxide (TiO2), silica (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and nanoclay (NC). Nanofillers were added with 1 wt% into epoxy resin and dispersed by ultrasonic processor followed by a magnetic stirrer to ensure good distribution of these nanofillers into epoxy resin. Also, to ensure the better interaction and adherence between the matrix and the aluminum sheets, the mechanical and chemical treatments were conducted. Results revealed that Glare filled with SiO2 followed by Glare filled with Al2O3 nanoparticles exhibit a significant enhancement in tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear properties as compared to unfilled Glare. Incorporation of metal nanoparticles (Al and Cu) to composite laminate in Glare also improves the tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear properties. On the contrary, a decrease in tensile, flexural and interlaminar shear strengths is attained with Glare filled with TiO2 and nanoclay. However, adding nanoclay to Glare improves the tensile and flexural failure strains. Visual inspections and SEM micrographs of the fractured surfaces show the effect of adding nanofillers to Glare.