Evaluation of mechanical properties of novel GLARE laminates filled with nanoclay

Abstract In this research work, we have investigated the effect of nanoclay fillers in the epoxy adhesive on improving the interfacial adhesion and the mechanical properties of glass‐reinforced aluminum laminates. The laminates were prepared with a varying weight percentage of nanoclay fillers (i.e., 3, 4, and 5 wt%) in the epoxy resin using the hand lay‐up method. During the tensile test, the laminate's anisotropic nature was investigated using the samples cut in different orientations to the rolling direction (i.e., 0, 45, and 90°). The flexural, lap shear, and impact tests were conducted as per ASTM standards. After each test, the failure mechanisms of laminates were studied using the scanning electron microscope. The results showed that 3 wt% of nanoclay added in the epoxy enhanced the laminates' overall mechanical properties than other composites. The fiber metal laminates (FML) containing the nano clay more than 3 wt% showed deterioration in the mechanical property due to the improper distribution of nanoclay in the epoxy matrix. The FML's mechanical properties with nano clay filler were compared with other fillers' performance in the previous studies. It was found that the mechanical properties of FML with nano clay filler were more significant than others.