Premium
Effect of nanoclay particles on mold‐filling performance in composites made via resin infusion process
Author(s) -
Karimzadeh M.,
Sabet A.R.,
Beheshty M.H.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.22199
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , mold , exfoliation joint , ultimate tensile strength , flexural strength , viscosity , graphene , nanotechnology
This study investigates the effect of 3 and 5 wt% nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) addition on mold filling time and performance of continuous glass filament mat reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) resin composites made by vacuum infusion process. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis as well as viscosity change in liquid state resin confirmed intercalation and exfoliation of the nanoclay in the resin system. The result shows mold filling time increase of 3 and 2.4 times for the samples containing 3 and 5 wt% nanoclay, respectively, compared with nanoclay‐free sample. This increase in mold filling time is directly attributed to the increase in resin viscosity. Filtration of nanoclay particles were observed in the resin flow direction. Result showed 8 and 14% filtration of nanoclay in flow direction for the samples with 3 and 5 wt% nanoclay content, respectively. Nanoclay containing specimens prepared from near resin entry port area showed relatively higher flexural and tensile modulus and as well as strength compared to specimens prepared from area close to vacuum port area. The result showed best performance for 3 wt% nanoclay containing specimen. However, impact strength decreased about 6.1 and 10.8% for 3 and 5% nanoclay, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers