Layered silicates nanocomposite matrix for improved fiber reinforced composites properties

Three-phase glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRP) consisting of traditional woven glass fiber and polyamide-6 (PA6) matrix dispersed with organically modified layered silicates were prepared and investigated in this study. The fabrication of GFRP with different weight percentages of layered silicates was successful when the matrix contains less than 5 wt% of the layered silicates. The improvement due to the high aspect ratio and high stiffness of the layered silicates is illustrated through the matrix-controlled properties of the GFRP. The results showed that the GFRP with 5 wt% layered silicates offer the largest improvement of approximately 30% increase in both flexural strength and compressive strength at elevated temperatures. On the other hand, the in-plane shear properties measured from [+/-45](s) laminate; revealed that the layered silicates help improved both the in-plane shear strength and modulus appropriately. By utilizing a nanocomposite matrix, improvement of stiffness and strength, as well as thermal and barrier properties is obtained without any change in processing temperature of the fiber composites. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd.