Preparation and characterization of layered silicate/glass fiber/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites via vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM)

Layered silicate/glass fiber/epoxy hybrid composites were successfully prepared using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. To study the effects of the fiber direction on the clay distribution in the hybrid composites, unidirectional glass fibers were placed in two directions: parallel and perpendicular to the resin flow direction. The intercalation behavior of the clay and the morphology of the composites were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The complementary use of XRD and TEM techniques revealed an intercalated clay structure in the composites. Dispersion of clay in the composites was also observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the observed clays were dispersed between both the bundles of glass fibers and within the interstices of the fiber filaments. The mechanical properties of the ternary composites were evaluated. The results indicated that introducing a small amount of organoclay to the glass fiber/epoxy composites enhanced their mechanical and thermal properties, confirming the synergistic effects of glass fibers and clays in the composites.