Quasi-static indentation behavior of nanoclay-chopped carbon fibres composites

Abstract

This paper presents the Quasi Static Indentation (QSI) behavior of the chopped carbon fibre composites with three different loadings of nanoclay. The composites, which are Carbon fibre (CF), 1wt% Nanoclay–Carbon Fibre (1NC-CF), 3wt% Nanoclay–Carbon Fibre (3NC-CF) and 5wt% Nanoclay–Carbon Fibre (5NC-CF) were prepared using hand lay-up method. The nanoclay was dispersed using a three roll milling machine. The 10wt% of chopped carbon fibres with 3-5 mm length were used in fabricating these composites. The QSI test was conducted using Universal Testing Machine according to the ASTM D6264. The damage section was examined using optical microscopy. The results show that the energy absorbed was increased with addition of nanoclay up to 81.42 %, 137.69 % and 202.95 % for 1NC-CF, 3NC-CF and 5NC-CF composites, respectively. It was concluded that the addition of the nanoclay enhanced the QSI of chopped carbon fibres composites.