Effect of micro-fibrillated cellulose and rubber nanoparticle on mechanical properties of carbon plain-weave textile reinforced epoxy

This paper presents the effect of hybrid modification of epoxy resin with micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber nanoparticles (NBR) on the mechanical properties of carbon plain weave textile composites. Twelve different combinations of MFC and rubber nanoparticles were tested from 0 to 0.5% MFC (in weight) and from 0 to 3% NBR. Their influences on the mechanical properties of the composites were measured performing tensile and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations were also conducted to identify the difference in failure modes at fibers level. The experimental results revealed that ILSS increased more than 32% for 0.1% MFC and 3% NBR, while the tensile strength increased 10% for 0.3% MFC and 3% NBR. On the other hand, the Young’s modulus can be considered unaffected. The SEM images showed that the matrix deformability became evident with increasing the MFC and NBR contents. It can be related to the fillers capacity to enhance the adhesion between fiber and matrix and the matrix ductility.