Epoxy nanocomposites as matrices for aramid fiber‐reinforced plastics

Abstract

Rheological and mechanical properties of nanofilled epoxy resin were studied, including adhesion to aramid fibers and strength of impregnated aramid strands. Light scattering and rheological measurements data imply that nanodiamonds (NDs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes form stable nanosized agglomerates in epoxy resin, whereas for epoxy‐organomodified montmorillonite systems, individual clay platelets orientation might be present. Also, according to the rheology of these systems, formation of the networks of epoxy molecules adsorbed on the NDs particle surface is suggested. Increase in the viscosity of the epoxy oligomers due to the nanoparticles incorporation results in the worsening of the impregnation of the aramid fibers by these formulations. However, enhanced adhesion properties could be obtained when using nanofillers, with a maximum at 1–2 wt% of nanofillers. A 25–35% growth of the pull‐out adhesion strength is also achieved. Increased cohesive strength and decreased residual stresses are supposed to be the reasons of adhesion strength decrease according to the literature. Adhesion strength increase was accompanied by a 10% enhancement of the strength of impregnated aramid strands. Moreover, a notable effect—up to a fourfold increase—was observed for the impact toughness of epoxy‐nanofillers samples. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E2167–E2174, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

The Mechanical Properties of Kevlar Fabric/Epoxy Composites Containing Aluminosilicates Modified with Quaternary Ammonium and Phosphonium Salts

“…While, the increase in content to 3 wt.% of BAQAS and BAQPS resulted in increases of the Young’s modulus values by approximately 17% and 10% respectively, compared to the EP/Kevlar sample. This enhancement could be attributed to the improvement of matrix stiffness [ 39 ], and change of properties by reducing residual stresses and improving the cohesive strength of the matrix [ 20 ], which is in accordance with our previous work related to organoclay/epoxy composites. This also confirms the stress–strain relationship curve in the elastic deformation range.…”

“…Surprisingly, the three times higher content of this organoclay in the epoxy matrix did not affects the change of this parameter. In comparison with the results of other authors concerning nanoclay [ 20 , 39 ] and other nanofillers [ 25 ], the obtained change was very pronounced, which may be related to the significant interlayer distance (d-spacing) of organoclay after modification and their proper dispersion in the epoxy matrix, particularly 3 wt.%, confirmed by the SEM analysis of the brittle fracture morphology of the composite.…”

“…Another way to enhance the interfacial interactions and mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composites is to improve the properties of the matrix by incorporating nanofillers into the polymer. Inorganic nanoparticles have gained use as potential reinforcing materials due to their low cost and ease of fabrication [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ]. One of the methods of manufacturing flexible composite armor is the use of shear thickening fluid (STF) to impregnate Kevlar fibers [ 16 , 21 ].…”

Comparative Study of Different Methods of Synthesis and Their Effect on the Thermomechanical Properties of a Halogenated Epoxy-Based Flame-Retardant Resin

“… 5 It has a broad range of applications in the industries currently ranging from extensive use in coatings, 6 , 7 industrial floorings, 8 , 9 construction materials, 10 adhesives, 11 − 15 recreation, marine systems, 16 − 18 foams, composites 19 − 22 painting, 23 − 25 potting, laminates, 26 , 27 matrix materials for electronics, and transport and aerospace industries. 28 − 32 However, the commercially available epoxy resins do not possess some applications where the exposure of high temperatures is unavoidable. Thus, their strength and usage could be further augmented in order to enhance their commercial applicability and industrial acceptance.…”

“…Epoxy resin is a crucial engineered resin/polymer that has received much attention in recent years due to its industrial applications and economic benefits on account of its versatility and immense characteristics such as good adhesive property to different substrates, moisture, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, and outstanding mechanical and electronic resistance properties . It has a broad range of applications in the industries currently ranging from extensive use in coatings, , industrial floorings, , construction materials, adhesives, − recreation, marine systems, − foams, composites − painting, − potting, laminates, , matrix materials for electronics, and transport and aerospace industries. − However, the commercially available epoxy resins do not possess some applications where the exposure of high temperatures is unavoidable. Thus, their strength and usage could be further augmented in order to enhance their commercial applicability and industrial acceptance.…”