Reinforcement of compatibilized nanoclay/Inviya fibers to epoxy‑based glass fiber nanocomposites for high‑impact strength applications

This research work is the first successful trial in which silanized nanoclay and compatibilized Inviya fibers were reinforced in epoxy-based glass fiber reinforced composites (EGFCs) resulting in significant improvements in impact strength without degrading tensile properties. Vacuum assisted resin infusion moulding (VARIM) technique was used for processing of multi-scale filler reinforced EGFCs. Inviya fibers were used, because of their high ‘elastic recovery’ and ‘stretchability’ (five times the original length) due to alternative flexible and rigid molecular structure. Nanoclay and Inviya fibers were subjected to compatibilization with different surface treatments. Compatibilization of fillers was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy-Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS) analysis. Nanoclay dispersion and morphology in EGFCs was ascertained through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Reinforcement of compatibilized Inviya fibres (First Method: maleic anhydride grafting, and Second Method: combination of phosphoric acid treatment followed by silanization) enhanced the impact strength by 132% and 150%, respectively, over the reference composition. FE-SEM micrographs of fracture surface of impact test specimens were utilized to identify the mechanisms causing improvement in impact behaviour.

---

Opracowanie rekordu ze środków MNiSW, umowa nr SONP/SP/546092/2022 w ramach programu "Społeczna odpowiedzialność nauki" - moduł: Popularyzacja nauki i promocja sportu (2024).