Fibre reinforced composites (FRP) have high strength to weight ratio as compared to metals and their alloys. In this research paper, the effect of hygrothermal conditioning on the mechanical properties of nanpclay based FRP composite was investigated. Before and after hygrothermal conditioning, tensile and flexural tests were performed on universal testing machine as per the ASTM standards. Rockwell hardness and micro hardness tests were performed to evaluate the hardness characteristics of FRP composite. It was found that the tensile and flexural properties of FRP composite with 3 % and 5 % nanoclay were improved due to clay dispersion in the epoxy matrix. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the dispersion of nanoclay particles in the epoxy matrix. It was observed that the specimens with 3 % nanoclay showed better dispersion of particles. Clay agglomeration was found in specimens with 5 % nanoclay.
Volume 11 | 01-Special Issue
Pages: 1119-1129