Experimental study on effects of nanoclay on shear strength and failure behavior of metal nanocomposites

This study investigates the effects of adding nanoclay particles to the polymer matrix of metal-composite laminates on their shear strength and interlaminar delamination using lap shear and three-point bending tests. Laminates were produced using two aluminum sheets as the skin layers and a polypropylene matrix as the core. Cloisite 30B nanoclay was used with weight percentages of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%. The specimens were subjected to lap shear and three-point bending tests. The failure surfaces were examined using a microscope. The results showed that the nanoclay particles change the shear strength of the specimens by affecting their interlaminar adhesive bonding. The lap shear test revealed that the maximum shear strength (0.41 MPa) was achieved at 5 wt%, while the three-point bending test indicated optimal performance at 3 wt% with a strength of 1.82 MPa. The lowest shear strengths (0.18 MPa in the lap shear test and 0.6 MPa in the three-point bending test) were obtained for the 7 wt% specimen. In specimens with 3 and 5 wt% nanoclay, the increase in interlayer adhesion and shear strength changed the failure mechanism from adhesive to cohesive failure.