Synergistic effect of compatibilized nanoclay/polyethylene fibers on the impact strength of epoxy‐glass fiber nanocomposites

Epoxy‐based glass fiber nanocomposites (EGFCs) have good static mechanical properties but lack in impact strength. Addition of thermoplastic fillers to EGFCs enhanced the impact strength but with lowered static properties. To overcome this issue, compatibilized polyethylene (PE) fibers and silanized clay platelets were reinforced in the EGFCs. The unique properties of PE fibers such as good toughness, high strength, resistance to chemicals, and light‐weight made them an ideal choice for this purpose. EGFCs were processed through vacuum‐assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) technique and resulted in significant improvements in an impact strength. Compatibilization of nanoclay/PE fibers was confirmed using FTIR and SEM‐EDS analysis. Nanoclay morphology in EGFCs was determined using XRD and TEM analysis. Reinforcement of maleic anhydride grafted PE fibers and silanized nanoclay in EGFCs significantly increased the impact strength by160% over the reference EGFC (without nanoclay/PE fibers). FE‐SEM micrographs showed improved interfacial interaction among various constituents of EGFCs resulting in superior mechanical performance. The newly developed EGFCs have myriad applications in various industries, namely, automotive (bumpers, frames for racing bicycles etc.), marine (hulls, decks, etc.), aviation (radome, stabilizers, etc.), and sports (archery bows, vault poles, etc.).HighlightsMulti‐scale filler‐reinforced EGFCs fabricated through VARIM process.Compatibilized reinforcement significantly improved impact strength.Silanization of nanoclay validated with FTIR & morphology with XRD/TEM technique.SEM‐EDS and FTIR confirmed successful compatibilization of PE fibers.SEM showed improved interfacial interaction among various constituents of EGFCs.