The Effects of Nanosilica and Nanoclay Particles Inclusions on Mode II Delamination, Thermal and Water Absorption of Intraply Woven Carbon/Aramid Hybrid Composites

The effects of nanosilica (NS) and nanoclay (NC) particle inclusions on mode II delamination and thermal properties as well as water absorption capability of carbon/aramid fiber reinforced hybrid composites (CAFRE) were experimentally investigated at different nanoparticle contents. NS and NC particles modified CAFRE samples were reinforced with intraply woven and twill weave of carbon and aramid fibers, and were manufactured by using hot mold press assisted with hand-layup method. Various thermal properties such as thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat capacity were experimentally measured with respect to NS and NC particle weight contents according to ISO-22007 standard. In addition, the water absorption test was performed according to ASTM D570-98 standard. Results from this study showed that addition of NS and NC particles improved mode II delamination toughness of CAFRE composites at 1.5 wt% and 2 wt% of NS and NC particle contents, respectively. Water absorption capacity of the CAFRE samples was increased as increasing NS and NC weigh contents while thermal tests showed that thermal diffusivity values increased, and specific heat decreased with increasing both NC and NS particle weight contents.