Synergistic Effect of Nanofiber Interleaving and Matrix Modification on the Thermo‐Mechanical Properties of Aramid‐Epoxy Novolac Composites

ABSTRACT Nanofiber interleaving in composites has found a niche in many applications wherein improving their mechanical properties without significant weight increase is of primary concern. In this study, electrospun nanofibers of Polyamide‐6 (PA6), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) were interleaved in aramid‐epoxy novolac composite laminates. An attempt is made to use the lauric acid (LA) surfactant‐modified matrix to reduce its brittleness. The obtained composites by nanofiber interleaving and matrix modification were evaluated for their stiffness and damping ability using the dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), tensile strength by universal testing machine (UTM), and impact strength with the help of a drop weight impact tester. The damping properties of these composites improved by ca. 59%, while the ILSS enhanced ca. 54%. The improvement in the overall mechanical properties of the composites has been suggested to be due to the synergistic effect of nanofiber interleaving and matrix modification.