Impact response of Kevlar composites with filled epoxy matrix

Kevlar fibres have been widely used as impact-resistant reinforcement in composite materials. The paper studies the impact behaviour as well as damage tolerance of Kevlar/filled epoxy matrix. Two different fillers, cork powder and nanoclays Cloisite 30B, were used in order to improve the impact response of these laminates. For better dispersion and interface adhesion matrix/clay nanoclays were previously subjected to a silane treatment appropriate to the epoxy resin. The fillers adding increases the maximum impact load but the opposite tendency was observed for the displacement. Nanoclays promote higher maximum impact loads, lower displacements, the best performance in terms of elastic recuperation and the maximum residual tensile strength. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.