Effect of Nanoclay Addition on Mechanical and Microstructure Properties of E-Glass Fiber and AA2022 Metal Skin Reinforced Epoxy Laminates

Fiber Metal Laminate (FML) is a novel composite material combined with a metal and fiber-reinforced polymer layer. FML combines the benefits of both metal and fiber, offering high strength, durability and fatigue resistance while being relatively lightweight. In the study, the mechanical and microstructure behavior of E-glass fiber and AA2022 metal skin-reinforced epoxy resin laminates with varied nanoclay additions of 0%, 1%, 3% and 5% are studied. Tensile test revealed that tensile strength was about 210 MPa and elongation at break was between 18% and 32%. The flexural strength was calculated to be around 502 MPa and 52.4 GPa, respectively. The impact test showed a strength of around 7.8 J. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was performed on the fractured tensile, flexural and impact sample to evaluate the fractographic mechanism. Various fractographic mechanisms, such as fiber pull-out, fiber breakage, delamination, matrix debonding, void and pores, were observed on the fractured surface. It was concluded that the tensile, flexural and impact strength of the FML increased up to 3% clay and then decreased the further increased nanoclay to 5%. The improved mechanical features perceived at a perfect 3% nanoclay addition indicate that these FMLs could be successfully applied in the aerospace and automotive industries.