Abstract
In this work, the exfoliation of nanoclay in the polyester matrix was investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the optimum parameters (frequency and time) in ultra-sonication technique. Various weight percent (1, 3, 5 and 7) of nanoclay is then mixed with polyester resin at optimum parameters. The mechanical properties and free vibration characteristics are investigated to determine the optimum clay percentage in the matrix. Further, with the optimum clay weight percentage, jute fibers of various weight percentages (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30) were used to prepare the composite. The tensile, flexural, impact and free vibration characteristic of composite are found as per ASTM standards. From the results, it is found that 5% addition of nanoclay and 15% jute fiber increases the mechanical and vibration behaviour of the composites. Experimental modal analysis was carried out on a cantilever beam-like sample revealed that the addition of nanoclay and fiber has enhanced natural frequencies and damping ratio and the obtained natural frequencies are in good agreement with the theoretical results.