Page 58 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

36 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

400
No nano clay (0% nano)
350 3% Nano
5% Nano
Compressive strength (–s xx MPa) 250
300

200
150

100

50

0
10 deg 15 deg 5 deg 10 deg 15 deg
Set 1 : Low Cf (22%) Set 2 : Low Cf (36%)
Fig. 2.7 Compressive strength results—VAWL specimen (% numbers indicate the
improvement (+) or reduction ( ) in strength due to addition of nanoclay) [24].

in Fig. 2.8. On the other hand, flexural properties are improved by clay addition due to
the improved interface between glass fibers and epoxy shown in Fig. 2.9. Also, incor-
poration of surface-treated clay particles has increased the dynamic and the mechan-
ical properties of nanocomposite laminates. Fig. 2.10 exhibits the influence of clay
loading on the storage modulus values as a function of clay loading.

440
Laminate with MMT/epoxy
420 Laminate with OMMT/epoxy
400
Tensile strength (MPa) 360
380

340

320
300

280
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Clay content (wt%)

Fig. 2.8 Tensile strength of noncrimp glass fabric-reinforced clay/epoxy nanocomposites [25].