Application of r-GO-MMT Hybrid Nanofillers for Improving Strength and Flame Retardancy of Epoxy/Glass Fibre Composites

The application of nanomaterials as a strengthening agent in the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites has gained significant attention due to distinctive properties which can be utilised in structural applications. In this study, reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) and montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay were used as filler materials to fabricate hybrid epoxy-based nanocomposites. The synergistic effect of nanomaterials on flammability and mechanical behaviour of nanocomposites were studied. Results revealed that the addition of nanofiller showcases 97% and 44.5% improvement in tensile and flexural strength. However, an increment in the percentage of filler material over 0.3% exhibits a decremental mechanical property trend. Likewise, the addition of nanofiller increases the nonignition timing of the glass-fibre-reinforced epoxy composites. Fracture surface morphology displays the occurrence of the ductile fracture mechanism owing to the presence of hybrid fillers.

Automated summary

In this study, hybrid epoxy-based nanocomposites were fabricated using r-GO and MMT nanoclay as fillers, and the synergistic effect of nanomaterials on flammability and mechanical behavior was investigated. Results showed significant improvements in tensile and flexural strength with the addition of nanofillers, although excessive filler content led to a decremental mechanical property trend. Moreover, the addition of nanofillers increased the nonignition timing and facilitated a ductile fracture mechanism in the composite materials.