A comparison of the effect of nano clay addition on microstructures and mechanical properties of epoxy and polyester reinforced glass/sisal hybrid polymer composites

In the present study, a comparison has been made between the mechanical properties of polyester and epoxy matrices reinforced Sisal/S-Glass, and also the effects of nano clay addition have been studied. For fabrication of composites, Glass/Sisal fibers are reinforced with Polyester and Epoxy with various wt% of nano clay. These composites are fabricated through the hand lay-up technique. Various wt% of nano clay are 2, 4, 6 wt%, and the stacking sequence of fibers are GSSG (S-Glass/Sisal/Sisal/S-Glass). The variations of strengths among the polyester/epoxy are also studied and examined. In Epoxy/GSSG reinforced NC composites compared with 0-4 wt% tensile strength increased by 18%. Polyester/GSSG reinforced NC composites tensile strength increased by 16%, and in Epoxy/GSSG reinforced NC composites compared with 0-2 wt% flexural strength increased by 16%. Polyester/GSSG reinforced NC composites tensile strength increased by 24%. The microstructural analysis has been carried out on the fractured samples, which indicated brittle failure of the fiber and fiber pull-outs. This conclusion confirms the proposed novel laminates fitness for possible usage in structural applications in the aerospace sector.