Experimental investigation of flexural behavior of basalt fibers/epoxy-aluminum laminate composites containing nanoclay particles

In this study, the effect of different weight percent of modified/unmodified nanoclay particles on the flexural properties of fiber metal laminates (FMLs) made of basalt fibers/epoxy-2024-T3 aluminum sheets was investigated. As a first step, the surface of nanoclay was modified by silane coupling agent which the creation of functional groups on the surface of nanoclay particles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses. The modified nanoclay with different weight percent of 0, 1, 3 and 5 was added into the epoxy and then for better distribution and dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix, the mechanical and ultra-sonication machines were used. Also, for better interaction and adherence between matrix and aluminum sheets, the mechanical and chemical treatment were conducted. Then the mixture of epoxy and nanoclay with woven basalt fibers and aluminum sheets were used to fabricate FMLs. To survey the effect of nanoparticles on mechanical properties, the 3-point bending test was used. The results show that the maximum effect of adding nanoclay on flexural strength and absorbed energy was in 3 wt.% of modified nanoclay, these properties of FMLs, conaining 3 wt.% unmodified nanoclay was weakend in compareson similar specimen, containing modified nanoclay. Furthermore, the flexural modulus was increased by increasing the weight percent of nanoparticles. Also, to investigate the fracture mechanism of polymeric part, the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) was used. The microscopic images were revealed that adding nanoclay are caused improvement of interaction between matrix and basalt fibers, consequently, are caused improving the flexural properties.