Possessing unique designs and properties absent in conventional materials, nanocomposites have made a remarkable imprint in science and technology. This is particularly true regarding the polymer matrix composites when they are further reinforced with nanoparticles. In this study, the effects of different weight percentages (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) of surface‐modified graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the microhardness and wear properties of basalt fibers/epoxy composites were investigated. The GNPs were surface modified by silane, and the composites were made by the hand lay‐up method. The wear tests were conducted under two different loads of 20 and 40 N. The best wear properties were achieved at 0.3 wt % GNPs as a result of the GNPs' self‐lubrication property and the formation of a stable transfer/lubricating film at the pin and disk interface. Moreover, the friction coefficient was lower at the higher normal load of 40 N. The microscopic studies by FESEM and SEM showed that the presence of GNPs up to 0.3 wt % led to the stability of the transfer/lubricating film by enhancing the adhesion of the basalt fibers to the epoxy resin. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47986.

No abstract

No abstract

In this study, the effect of different weight percents of modified/unmodified nanoclay particles on the flexural and impact properties of fiber–metal laminates made of 2024-T3 aluminum sheets and basalt fibers as the reinforcements and epoxy as the matrix was investigated. As a first step, the surface of nanoclay particles was modified by the silane-coupling agent. The creation of the functional groups on the surface of nanoclay particles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The modified nanoclay with different weight percents of 0, 1, 3, and 5 was added into the epoxy matrix; then, for the better distribution and dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix, the mechanical and ultra-sonication machines were used. Also, to ensure better interaction and adherence between the matrix and the aluminum sheets, the mechanical and chemical treatments were conducted. Then, the mixture of epoxy and nanoclay with woven basalt fibers and aluminum sheets was used to fabricate fiber–metal laminates. To survey the effect of these nanoparticles on the mechanical properties, the three-point bending test and the high-velocity impact test were used. The results showed that the maximum effect of adding nanoclay particles on the flexural and impact behavior was obtained by using 3 wt.% of the modified nanoclay. These properties of fiber–metal laminates, which contained the 3 wt.% unmodified nanoclay, were weakened in comparison to a similar specimen containing the modified nanoclay. Furthermore, the flexural modulus was enhanced by increasing the weight percent of the nanoparticles. Also, to investigate the fracture mechanism, the field emission scanning electron microscope was used. The microscopic images revealed that adding nanoclay particles led to the improvement of the interaction between the matrix and basalt fibers, thereby improving the flexural and impact properties.

No abstract