Effects of clay and silica nanoparticles on the Charpy impact resistance of a carbon/aramid fiber reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract In the present contribution, the impact properties of clay and silica nanoparticles for strengthening an intraply carbon/aramid fiber reinforced epoxy composite have been investigated. Five clay and silica nanoparticles, containing 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt.-% and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.0 wt.-%, respectively, were used to produce the hybrid composite specimens. The Charpy impact results indicate that the impact energy and strength were improved for all clay and silica nanoparticles specimens, as compared to the unmodified carbon/aramid fabric reinforced epoxy composite. The images of the damaged specimens show a significant fiber pullout with delaminated layers at the impacted and edge surfaces. SEM investigations revealed a good interfacial adhesion of the clay and silica nanoparticles to the carbon/aramid fiber reinforced epoxy composite.