Search

Application of composites according to their properties such as high strength to weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, and their ability to build complex shapes in different industries are increased. But due to composite's vulnerability against unwanted impact loads, their usage has been limited. Relatively higher costs of carrying out low-velocity impact (LVI) test, data sampling limit due to short experiment time, and adaptation of quasi-static impact (QSI) test results with LVI, convinced researchers to use QSI instead of LVI. This research investigated the effect of different percentages of nanoclay (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) on impact properties of glass-epoxy composite and for this purpose, the QSI test was used. To disperse and distribute nanoclay homogeneously inside the resin, mechanical and ultrasonic mixers have been used; EDAX photograph token from nano-resin section confirmed the success of this process. QSI test results showed that adding 3% nanoclay to glass-epoxy composite, increases absorbed energy and stiffness up to 16% and 12% respectively. It was also determined by perusing SEM photographs that the mechanical properties of specimens containing 7% nanoclay had decreased due to the agglomeration of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]