An investigation on graphene and nanoclay effects on hybrid nanocomposites post fire dynamic behavior

Abstract

This paper deals with the post fire behavior of hybrid nanocomposites under dynamic loadings. A series of tests were performed to investigate how nanoparticles (i.e. nanoclay and graphene nanosheets) affect the post-fire overall composite behavior. Carbon fiber/epoxy-nanoclay and carbon fiber/epoxy-graphene nanosheets were manufactured. The nanoparticles employed were Cloisite 30B nanoclay, and surface modified graphene nanosheets. The epoxy system used was RemLam M/HY956. The nanocomposites were made using ultrasonic mixer for nanoparticle dispersion in acetone followed by a shear mixing of acetone/nanoparticle/hardener. The following steps involved degassing, the addition of resin to the mixture and, the hand lay-up with vacuum assisted cure. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates an average decrease on peak mass loss around 41% with the addition of small amount of nanoparticles. The sample plates were exposed to a heat flux of 800 kW.m -2 for a period up to 120 seconds. The post-fire low velocity impact tests indicated the impact resistance degraded as a function of heat exposure. However, the addition of nanoclay leads to an increase on impact peak force of 11.69%. The carbon oxidation could be the main cause of the increase on impact peak load is lower than expected, only 6.72%. The model predictions are overestimated by approximately 8%. Even though, it can be a good tool for composites design.

Nano-Modified Epoxy Based Adhesive Testings: An Investigation into Apparent Shear Strength, Failure Modes, Chemical Functionals, and Microstructural Failure

“…The distinct dynamic behavior of nanoclay/epoxy systems was detected by Avila et al [24]. Avila et al [25] experientially detected an increase in energy dissipation during low velocity by a factor of two.…”

Improvement of the Impact Properties of Composite Laminates by Means of Nano-Modification of the Matrix—A Review

“…Better low-velocity impact properties [79,[125][126][127][128][129][130][131][132], CAI [74,78], residual tensile strength after impact [133], post-fire low velocity impact behavior [80,134,135] were reported using nanoclays, with more effect on low-energy levels [125]. The dispersion of clay in polymer matrix shows considerable improvement in energy absorption and ballistic limit of the composite laminates [81,133,135,136].…”

Flame-Retardant Thermoset Nanocomposites for Engineering Applications

“…In these resins, intercalated nanocomposite structures are easily obtained by short mixing times of only 5 min [76,77]. On the other hand, in the case of epoxy, apart from nanoclays and nanotubes, other nanoparticles such as POSS [81], graphene [82,83], nanosilica, etc. This is contrary to that observed for epoxies where longer mixing times are required [46].…”