Fabrication and characterization of polymer matrix nanocomposites with

various forms of fiber reinforcement

Abdul Wahid Shah (2009010)
Group:
Supervisor: Mr. Atif Rasheed, RA

Faheem Iqbal Yousafzai (2010098)

Introduction: The objective of this work is to fabricate nanocomposites by using various forms of
reinforcements by using hand lay-up process primarily for structural applications. The PMCs were the first
manufactured composite materials during World War II [1]. During the energy crises in 1970s, the demand
for PMCs further increased due to their relatively lower cost. During this period, the properties of PMCs, the
design methodologies, and manufacturing capabilities were further modified [1]. The PMCs have replaced
aerospace structural alloys such as aluminum alloys as they are prone to corrosion and fatigue failure [1].
The first manufactured PMCs used glass fibers as reinforcement while the most commonly used polymer
matrix is epoxy [1]. The glass-fiber reinforced PMCs have found many applications in defense, aerospace,
marine, electrical appliances, and pressure vessels etc. These widespread applications of glass fibers are
because of easy availability, handleability, high strength, ease of processing and cost effectiveness [1]. The
fibers as reinforcement can be aligned in one particular direction, in two directions, or randomly oriented.
The addition of nano-reinforcement can further increase the composite properties. CNTs are commonly used
reinforcement in PMCs [2, 3].
REQUIREMENTS:
Materials/Chemicals:
Sr.
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2
3
4

Material/Chemical name
CNTs
Glass fibers
Epoxy + hardener
Acetone

Objective
Reinforcement
Reinforcement
Matrix
Solvent

Specifications
Should have high purity
Continuous, chopped, woven
Curable at ambient
Lab/commercial grade

Suppliers
SkySpring inc. USA
Not specific
Sigma-Aldrich
Sigma-Aldrich, Labscan

Fabrication Equipment:
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2
3

Name
Molds
Roller
Vacuum oven

Objective
To shape the composite
To spread the epoxy onto fibers
Curing

Availability
On-campus
On-campus
On-campus

Objective
Volume fraction, porosity, morphology
Morphology, fractography
Three point bend testing
Hardness testing

Availability
On-campus
On-campus
On-campus
On-campus

Characterization Equipment:
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2
3
4

Name
Optical microscopy
SEM
Tensile testing machine
Hardness tester

References:
[1]

ASM Handbook, Vol. 21. Composites (2001) 39-64.

[2]
Grimmer C. S, Dharan C. K. H. Enhancement of delamination fatigue resistance in carbon nanotube reinforced glass
fiber/polymer composites. Composites Science and Technology 2010;70(6):901-8.
[3]
Godara A, Gorbatikh L, Kalinka G, Warrier A, Rochez O, Mezzo L, et al. Interfacial shear strength of a glass fiber/epoxy
bonding in composites modified with carbon nanotubes. Composites Science and Technology 2010;70(9):1346-52.