The influence of processing techniques on the matrix distribution and filtration of clay in a fibre reinforced nanocomposite

A nano-modified matrix based on an epoxy resin and montmorillonite (MMT) layered silicates, was successfully infiltrated through 10 ply of carbon fibre preform. A combined fabrication process of a vacuum assisted resin infusion method (VARIM) followed by a rapid heating rate and mechanical vibration...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Composites. Part B, Engineering Engineering, 2016-01, Vol.84, p.1-8
Main Authors: Nuhiji, Betime, Attard, Darren, Deveth, August, Bungur, Jenny, Fox, Bronwyn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
A. Carbon fibre
A. Nano-structures
A. Particle-reinforcement
Clay (material)
Fiber reinforced materials
Magnesium
Nanostructure
Particulate composites
Polymers
Preforms
Resins
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Summary:A nano-modified matrix based on an epoxy resin and montmorillonite (MMT) layered silicates, was successfully infiltrated through 10 ply of carbon fibre preform. A combined fabrication process of a vacuum assisted resin infusion method (VARIM) followed by a rapid heating rate and mechanical vibration during cure, facilitated the infiltration of the nano-modified matrix through the preform. This was achieved by dispersing the MMT clay in the resin and ensuring that the viscosity of the nano-modified matrix remained low during fabrication. SEM-EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) spectra showed that chemical constituents within MMT clay including silicon, aluminium and magnesium elements had permeated through the fibre preform and were detected throughout the laminate. A homogeneous resin/particle distribution was achieved with the size of clay particles ranging from 100 nm to 1 μm.
ISSN:1359-8368
1879-1069
DOI:10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.08.067