The influence of processing techniques on the matrix distribution and filtration of clay in a fibre reinforced nanocomposite
RIS ID
103155
Abstract
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.
Publication Details
Nuhiji, B., Attard, D., Deveth, A., Bungur, J. & Fox, B. (2016). The influence of processing techniques on the matrix distribution and filtration of clay in a fibre reinforced nanocomposite. Composites Part B: Engineering, 84 1-8.