A comparison of the effect of nano clay addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of epoxy and polyester reinforced glass/sisal hybrid polymer composites

In the present study, a comparison has been made between the mechanical properties of polyester and epoxy matrices reinforced Sisal/S-Glass, and also the effects of nano clay addition have been studied. For fabrication of composites, Glass/Sisal fibers are reinforced with Polyester and Epoxy with various wt% of nano clay. These composites are fabricated through the hand lay-up technique. Various wt% of nano clay are 2, 4, 6 wt%, and the stacking sequence of fibers are GSSG (S-Glass/Sisal/Sisal/S-Glass). The variations of strengths among the polyester/epoxy are also studied and examined. In Epoxy/GSSG reinforced NC composites compared with 0-4 wt% tensile strength increased by 18%. Polyester/GSSG reinforced NC composites tensile strength increased by 16%, and in Epoxy/GSSG reinforced NC composites compared with 0-2 wt% flexural strength increased by 16%. Polyester/GSSG reinforced NC composites tensile strength increased by 24%. The microstructural analysis has been carried out on the fractured samples, which indicated brittle failure of the fiber and fiber pull-outs. This conclusion confirms the proposed novel laminates fitness for possible usage in structural applications in the aerospace sector.

Automated summary

This study compares the mechanical properties of polyester and epoxy matrices reinforced with Sisal/S-Glass composites, and investigates the effects of nano clay addition. By fabricating composites with different wt% of nano clay, it is found that Epoxy/GSSG composites exhibit increased tensile and flexural strength, while Polyester/GSSG composites show higher tensile strength. The microstructural analysis suggests that the composites are suitable for structural applications in the aerospace sector.