Enhancement of Mechanical Properties through Synergistic Effects of MWCNT/HNT Hybrid Nanofillers in Epoxy-based Glass/Carbon Fiber Composites for Marine Applications
摘要
Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites are highly valued in the maritime industry for their cost-effectiveness, lightweight nature, and exceptional mechanical properties, such as corrosion resistance and versatile design capabilities. However, their durability can be undermined by severe seawater conditions. To combat this, researchers are exploring three primary strategies: surface coating of fibers, combining fibers and matrices with inclusion and exclusion of additional additives, and rearranging interply configurations. Although these strategies are often studied independently, there remains a crucial need to evaluate their collective effects on the performance of hybrid composites under marine environmental conditions. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate the synergistic effects of interply reconfiguration of glass/carbon fibers and hybrid nanofillers like Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Halloysite Nanotubes (HNTs) to bolster mechanical properties while mitigating moisture absorption. Nanocomposites with a hybrid composition were created, consisting of equal weight percentages of two types of nanofillers: 0%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. These composites were then subjected to seawater exposure for up to 90 days. Throughout the aging process, it was observed that hybrid composites modified with nanofillers exhibited superior mechanical performance and demonstrated enhanced resistance to moisture absorption compared to their non-modified hybrid counterparts. After undergoing a 90-day exposure to seawater, hybrid nanocomposites with 2 wt% of hybrid nanofillers exhibit an approximate retention of 82% for flexural strength and 92% for impact strength, alongside displaying the lowest moisture absorption rate (25.01%) compared to the (G-E) type. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was employed to inspect failure modes and to identify potential correlations between microstructural features and composite properties.
Graphical Abstract