Long-Term Behavior of Nanoclay/TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Carbon/Glass Fiber-Reinforced Hybrid Composites

Polymer composites are widely used as a primary structural material in lightweight construction industries due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and low cost. However, the mechanical properties get degraded when exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Hybridization of nanofillers and fibers can improve the hygroscopic behavior of polymer composites. In this work, the long-term performance of nanoclay/titanium dioxide-modified carbon/glassreinforced hybrid composites under a seawater environment was investigated. The specimens were immersed in seawater (100 % relative humidity, 32 degrees C) for 90 days. The effect of moisture absorption on the specimens was evaluated using water absorption, tensile, and flexural tests. Experimental results showed that the addition of nanofillers and carbon/glass hybridization had a significant impact on the water barrier properties and decay in mechanical properties. The residual life of the laminates under humid environmental conditions was predicted using an exponential function. Constituent materials and duration of exposure had a significant impact on the property's degradation. The test findings showed that the (90 degrees G/0 degrees G/90 degrees C)S sequenced laminate at 2 wt. % of nanofillers had a maximum residual life of 1,619 days under tensile loading and 3,051 days under flexural loading after 90 days of aging.