Fabrication of CFRP from high performance clay/epoxy nanocomposite: Preparation conditions, thermal–mechanical properties and interlaminar fracture characteristics

Multilayer lamination of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) was fabricated from high performance clay/epoxy nanocomposite and woven carbon fiber fabric. Nanocomposite with high exfoliation of clay and strongly interfacial interaction between clay and epoxy resin was effectively prepared using the “Slurry Compounding” technique, where low-cost pristine clay was used as starting material. The influence of final curing temperature (180–250 °C), silanization of clay by 3-(aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) and clay content (0.6–3.0 vol.%) on the thermal mechanical properties of CFRPs were studied. Laminated material with high strength, interlaminar fracture toughness (GIc) and thermal stability was achieved at low clay content (0.6 vol.% silanized clay).