Effect of Nano-fillers on the Strength Reinforcement of Novel Hybrid Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of the ratio of fillers, such as multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), as well as different matrix stiffnesses, on the tensile strength of epoxy/polyester material. These fillers are added to epoxy/polyester solutions in various ratios and mixed well before molding. Experimental specimens are then made by means of the hot press process and utilizing the same curing and postcuring conditions. To investigate the effect of the matrix stiffness on the mechanical property reinforcement role of MWCNTs and GNPs in the resulting nanocomposites, the variations in the mixture ratios of the epoxy/polyester blend and hardener are considered. The results show that the tensile strength of epoxy/polyester material increases its maximum value by approximately 86.3% with the addition of MWCNTs at a ratio of 1% and increases to 86.8% with the addition of a mere 0.2% ratio of GNPs. The morphologies of the fractured surfaces of the resulting nanocomposites are observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is expected that the experimental results will lead to the offering of low-cost, high-strength materials for applications in the automobile industry and the manufacturing of household products.

Keywords:

• Carbon nanotubes
• Epoxy
• Graphene nanoplatelets
• Hybrid polymer
• Matrix stiffness
• Morphology
• Nanocomposite
• Polyester
• Tensile strength