Multiscale fiber-reinforced nanocomposites: Synthesis, processing and properties

Multiscale fiber-reinforced nanocomposites have been manufactured using a vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) process. The nanocomposites prepared were epoxy resin prepolymers dispersed with layered silicates. The effect of silicate loading on the flow, isothermal cure behavior and solid state properties was studied. The addition of silicate results in an increase in resin viscosity by a factor of 10, although it is still within the range of processability by VARIM. A slight decrease in resin gel times is also observed. X-ray diffraction studies of Epoxy 815C nanocomposites indicated an exfoliated morphology for the 2% silicate and an intercalated morphology for the 4% and 6% specimens. Dynamic mechanical analyses were conducted to establish the Tg of the specimens. An improvement of 31% in flexural modulus and 24% in flexural ultimate strength for the 2% silicate fiber-reinforced nanocomposites was achieved. Interlaminar shear and fracture toughness studies were also conducted, however no enhancement was observed.