THREE POINT BENDING TEST RESEARCH OF CARBON FIBRE

COMPOSITES INCORPORATING NANOCLAY

1
ALEMDAR ONGUN, 2AHMET AVCI, 3SEZER PICAK, 4ALI ERISEN
1,4
Mechanical Engineering Department, Kırıkkale University, Kırıkkale71450, Turkey
2,3
Mechanical Engineering Department, Selçuk University, Konya42075, Turkey
E-mail: 1alemdarongun@gmail.com

Abstract— In this study different proportions nanoclay(NC) has been added to the epoxy matrix materials. The generated
matrix nanoclay mixture to the 12 sheets carbon fiber is injected by vacuum infusion method. In scanning electron
microscope it is observed to have adhered to the fiber strand nanoclay. Based on the nanoclay weight of the mixture, The
increases and decreases in three-point bending tests have been examined. Three-point bending tests have been studied
according to ASTM D7264/D7264M-07 (Standart Test Method for Flexural Properties of Polymer Matrix Composite
Materials), the highest increase in the flexural strain, which is measured in a 5% addition of the NC sample.

Keywords— Nanoclay, Three Point Bending Test, Carbon Fiber Composite, Flexural Stress.

1. INTRODUCTİON nanoclays can not fill the gaps enough in fiber have
observed. In test results, the flowing strength of 3%
Nowadays, nanotechnology has been a method used nanoclays weight participating in matrice, modulus of
for research and development of materials that can be elasticity and elongation (percentage) respectively, at
used in almost all fields[1,2]. Nanoclays, which they 9%, 21%, 15% improvement has been observed [9].
are also used as mixture materials, give the desired Wherein in a study modified chemical modification
properties depending on the type. By way of kalsined nanoclay on the microstructure and
example; it gives some properties like increased mechanical properties of treated hemp fabric-
strength, heat resistance, flame retardance, abrasion reinforced cement nanocomposites has been
resistance, ultraviolet protector, thermal and gas investigated and optimum content for these
protection. This feature also provides by being nanocomposites is %6.9 wt. Mechanical properties
higher properties than the matrix material and by are improved as a result of calcined nanoclay [10].
scattering in a nano scale in the matrix material [3,4].
Nanoclays may also play a role in increasing the II. EXPERİMENTAL
fatigue properties as well as the increase of the time-
dependent mechanical properties. [5]. Carbon fibers and epoxy properties are given in Table
In studies performed previously, inside nanoclay 1[11,12].
epoxy was added at 1%, 3% and 5% by weight. The
composite sheet produced by hand tilt method were Table 1. Carbon Fibers and Epoxy Properties
subjected to mechanical tests and as a result, the 3%
bending strength of reinforced sample 57%, in the
tensile strength 8% increase that it showed the best
values [6]. In another study, Kevlar fibers, epoxy
weight of 1.5%, 3% and 6% are singles weight ratio
of composite is prepared by adding nanoclay. By
doing Low velocity impact tests on this sheet, impact
damage relations have been studied. For best results,
even though they take %6 reinforced sheets, they
observed that the greatest improvement in passing to
1.5% from 3%. While going from 3% to 6%
improvement has been seen in 1.15%, from 1.5% to
%6, %32.22 improvement has been seen [7]. In
another study, again in matrix material by adding
1.5%, 3% and 5% weight nanoclay, Impact damage
relations, they made impact, low speed and CAI As nanoclay montmorillonite made Eczacıbaşı’s
tests. The best results were measured in 3% NC EsanNANO 1-140 coded clay was used. Ultra white
reinforced samples[8]. They have analysed the and has a pure structure a clay a provides,
infusion of nanoclay added resin to the glass fiber. flammability of the material which it is introduced
As a result of their work by adding %0 and %5 into, strength, improvement in moisture and gas
weight nanoclays ; when nanoclay rate increases, the permeability properties. As it is seen in Figure 1.
deterioration of the contunuum in resin flow and Nanoclay property while initialy montmorillonite

Proceedings of The IRES 21st International Conference, Amsterdam, Netherland, 25th December 2015, ISBN: 978-93-85832-79-6
80
 Three Poınt Bendıng Test Research of Carbon Fıbre Composıtes Incorporatıng Nanoclay

clay’s distance values between layers about 15 Å,

when made the same organic nanoclay modification,
these values can be available on 38-40 gaps. In also
EsanNANO 1-140 production, the purification of
montmorillonite and the organic modification are
maintained. It is provided that clay is homogeneously
distributed in the matrix material in this modification.

Figure 2. Shimadzu Three Point Bending Test Machine

III. RESULT AND DİSCUSSİON

Three-point bending test results are shown in the

Figure 3 and Figure 4.
Figure 1. a) Montmorillonite Structure b) After Organic
Modification of Montmorillonite Structure

Table 2. The Chemical Properties of Nanoclay

Figure3.Curve of Unreinforced and Reinforced Nanoclay

Clay particle size analysis made with laser Specimens Three-point Bending Flexural Stress and Strain
diffractomer is given below Table 3. [13] ; Graph

Table 3. EsanNANO Clay Grain Size Analysis

Three-point bending tests have been studied

according to ASTM D7264/D7264M-07 Standard
Test Method for Flexural Properties of Polymer
Matrix Composite Materials. Figure 4 in standart,
according to the dimensions stated in the standard
width of 13mm and thickness of 40% excess of 32
times (Sample thickness was measured as
approximately 2.5 mm) to be 112mm samples were
prepared. As indicated in standard tests 1 mm / min
speed pressing is made.
Three point bending tests were performed with
Shimadzu Autograph AGS-X series, MVG 20
kN.Standard TS EN ISO 7500-1 for loads mesured by
the load cell from the switch is in Class 1, precision
1%. Elastic displacement ( )of the central opening of
the stepped end sensitivity is 0.1% [14].
Figure 4. Unreinforced and Reinforced Nanoclay Specimens
Three-point Bending Flexural Strain Graph
Figure 3 and 4are analyzed to obtain the data;
-Maximum flexural stress was measured NC0
specimen.
-Maximumflexural strain was measured NC5
specimen.
-According to NC0 specimens NC1 specimens are
also stress 9%, strain 8,45 % reduction was observed.
-According to flexural stress of NC1 specimens; NC3
specimens are also % 14, NC5 specimensare also
observed an decrease of % 12.
- According to maximum flexural strain of NC5
specimens, NC3 specimens are also % 15, NC1
specimens are also observed an decrease % 39.

Proceedings of The IRES 21st International Conference, Amsterdam, Netherland, 25th December 2015, ISBN: 978-93-85832-79-6
81
 Three Poınt Bendıng Test Research of Carbon Fıbre Composıtes Incorporatıng Nanoclay
Figure 5 SEM pictures as seen in the nanoclay is
bonded onto the carbon fiber. Reinforcement ratio of
tensile strength 1% to 3% wherein passing increased
by 12 %, tensile strain in the reinforcement of 3 %,
say 5 % was observed passing of the best values in 25
% increments.
While nanoclay rate increases and stress levels fall,
nanoclay rate of strain value increases, inreases can
be observed. The bending deformations of nanoclay,
so it is seen that it clearly improves continuity.
Nanoclay; forms fibers a preventive environment in
the resin. Namely, for increasing the roughness value,
friction force increases and transformation values
increase. It is difficult to completely break the resin.
Figure 5.5 % Nanoclay reinforced specimen Sem Image
* Responsibleauthor: alemdarongun@gmail.com
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