Comprehensive characterization of AA 2024T3 fiber metal laminate with nanosilica‐reinforced epoxy based polymeric composite panel for lightweight applications

Abstract

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are a hybrid composite material used in aircraft structural parts. They are fabricated by stacking thin aluminum sheets with a fiber-reinforced polymer composite. In this research work, nanosilica was mixed with epoxy resin in different weight percentages such as 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt% for the preparation of FML. Nanosilica was used as a secondary reinforcement in the epoxy resin to improve the interfacial bonding and mechanical strength of the FML. The morphology and chemical compositions of the cured nanosilicadispersed epoxy resin and aluminum were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to investigate the thermal stability of epoxy before and after the addition of nanosilica. FML was prepared using the hand layup and compression molding processes by sandwiching thin aluminum alloy sheet and E-glass fiber. The FML specimens were cut using an abrasive water jet machine as per ASTM standards for determining their mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and short-beam strength. Vibrational analysis was undertaken, and the natural frequency and damping factor for the FML specimens were determined.The results revealed that the tensile strength of pure FML was increased by 7% for 3 wt% nanosilica-dispersed FML. Flexural and interlaminar shear strength was increased by 30.5% and 10.9%, respectively for the 1 wt% nanosilica-dispersed FML was compared to pure FML.

Enhanced interlaminar mechanical behavior of advanced fiber metal laminates via nano Al2O3‐IPN formation and surface pre‐treatments

“…FMLs were fabricated using aluminum sheets having two different kinds of surface pre‐treatments (mechanical and chemical). Mechanical pre‐treatment of aluminum surfaces was carried out by subjecting them to mechanical abrasion using various grades of silicon carbide grit papers (P80 and P180) to remove the loosely adherent oxides and introduce roughness on the aluminum surface 31,32 . The residual metal debris on the abraded aluminum surfaces was cleaned with acetone to remove unwanted contaminants.…”

“…Mechanical pre-treatment of aluminum surfaces was carried out by subjecting them to mechanical abrasion using various grades of silicon carbide grit papers (P80 and P180) to remove the loosely adherent oxides and introduce roughness on the aluminum surface. 31,32 The residual metal debris on the abraded aluminum surfaces was cleaned with acetone to remove unwanted contaminants. For chemical pre-treatment, the aluminum sheets were immersed in 100 g/L sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at 60 C for 10 min after the mechanical abrasion process.…”

High‐velocity ballistic response of AA 1100‐H14 based carbon‐fiber metal laminates: An experimental investigation

“…In most of the literature AA 2024-T3 has been used for the fabrication of FMLs. 7,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] Few of the researchers have also used other grades of aluminum alloys such as AA 1050, [40][41][42] AA 1060-H12, 43 AA 1200-H14, 44 AA 2024-O, 45 AA 5005, 46 AA 5052-O, 47 AA 5052-H32, [48][49][50] AA 6061-T6, 17,29,51,52 AA 6063-T6, 53 and AA 7075-T6. 52,54,55 Limited amount of work has been conducted on the Magnesium alloy, 56,57 Titanium, 45 and Steel.…”

“…On a component level application, Wang et al 31 established a multi‐objective integrated optimization framework considering for the fabrication of a tapered rim composed of CFRP rim and aluminum alloy spoke. In most of the literature AA 2024‐T3 has been used for the fabrication of FMLs 7,32–39 . Few of the researchers have also used other grades of aluminum alloys such as AA 1050, 40–42 AA 1060‐H12, 43 AA 1200‐H14, 44 AA 2024‐O, 45 AA 5005, 46 AA 5052‐O, 47 AA 5052‐H32, 48–50 AA 6061‐T6, 17,29,51,52 AA 6063‐T6, 53 and AA 7075‐T6 52,54,55 .…”

Investigation of structure–flexural response relations in thermoplastic carbon/glass fiber‐metal laminates

“…1 FMLs have been initially applied in the aerospace industry, such as Glare ® and CARALL ® , which were fabricated by glass or carbon fiber reinforced thermoset composites and aluminum layers. [2][3][4][5][6] It has been reported that FMLs not only possess excellent fatigue resistance and high strength of FRP but also maintain the ductility of metal materials with high specific stiffness, low crack propagation, and good dynamic properties. [7][8][9] In general, the traditional and commercial FMLs are based on fiber-reinforced thermosetting resins (i.e.…”