A pilot study on flexural properties of epoxy nanoclay reinforced composites

Kinetix epoxy resin was filled with nanoclay to increase the tensile properties of the composite for civil and structural applications by the Centre of Excellence in Engineering Fibre Composites, University of Southern Queensland. This project manufactured samples with different percentages by weight of nanoclay in the composites in steps of 1 wt%, which were then post-cured in an oven. The samples were then subjected to flexural tests. The results showed that the composite with 3 wt% of nanoclay produces the maximum flexural strength, strain and modulus. It is hoped that the discussion and results in this study would not only contribute towards the development of nanoclay reinforced epoxy composites with better material properties, but also be useful for the investigations of fracture toughness, tensile properties and flexural properties in other composites.