Effects of organo‐montmorillonite on the mechanical and morphological properties of epoxy/glass fiber composites |
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| Authors: | Mazlan Norkhairunnisa Abu Bakar Azhar Chow Wen Shyang |
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| Affiliation: | 1. School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia;2. School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, MalaysiaSchool of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia |
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| Abstract: | Epoxy composites filled with glass fiber and organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by the hand lay‐up method. The flexural properties of the epoxy/glass fiber/OMMT composites were characterized by a three‐point bending test. The flexural modulus and strength of epoxy/glass fiber were increased significantly in the presence of OMMT. The optimum loading of OMMT in the epoxy/glass fiber composites was attained at 3 wt%, where the improvement in flexural modulus and strength was approximately 66 and 95%, respectively. The fractured surface morphology of the epoxy/glass fiber/OMMT composites was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. It was found that OMMT adheres on the epoxy/glass fiber interface, and this is also supported by evidence from energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry |
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| Keywords: | epoxy glass fiber organo‐montmorillonite composites properties |
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