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Journal of Polymer & Composites Original Research Special issue

Characterization of Glass Fiber/Epoxy Laminates Modified with MWCNT–Al₂O₃ Hybrid Nanofillers

  1. R. Ramkumar Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mookambigai College of Engineering and Technology, Kalamavur
  2. P. Keerthivasan Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sudharsan Engineering College, Satyamangalm
  3. R. Muthuraja Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi
  4. G. Manickavasaham Department of Mechanical Engineering, Mookambigai College of Engineering and Technology, Kalamavur
  5. R. Senthilraja Department of Mechanical Engineering, Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi

Abstract

Enhancing the performance of fibre-reinforced polymer composites increasingly involves the integration of nanoscale additives that can improve strength, toughness, and overall durability. In the present investigation, woven E-glass/epoxy laminates were modified using a hybrid nanofiller system consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles. The two nanomaterials were combined in a 2:4 proportion and introduced into the epoxy matrix at total loadings of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight. Laminates were produced in accordance with ASTM D638 and ASTM D256 to ensure consistent tensile and impact characterisation. The mechanical response of the composites showed a progressive improvement with increasing hybrid filler concentration. The formulation containing 5 wt.% hybrid nanofiller displayed the most pronounced enhancement among all tested batches. In particular, the 450 GSM laminate incorporating this filler level demonstrated a 46% rise in tensile strength along with an 84% increase in impact energy when compared to the unmodified E-glass/epoxy reference laminate. Moreover, the 450 GSM specimens consistently outperformed the lower-GSM laminates, indicating that higher fabric areal density, coupled with the synergistic strengthening action of MWCNTs and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles, contributes to more efficient load transfer and crack-resistance mechanisms. These results highlight the potential of hybrid nanofiller reinforcement as a viable route for developing robust, high-performance E-glass/epoxy composites for structural applications.

Keywords

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