Effect of Nanoclay Loading on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites

Year : 2026 | Volume : 04 | Issue : 01 | Page : 36 45
    By

    B. Suresha*,

  1. Adjunct Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The effects of multilayer silicate loading on hardness, tensile, and impact properties were examined by developing epoxy–nanoclay composites with 0–5 wt% nanoclay. A desirable compromise between reduced void content and higher Shore D hardness was reached with an ideal nanoclay loading of 3 wt%, which reflected improved load transfer and increased matrix stiffness as a result of limited polymer chain mobility. Tensile strength and modulus rose up to 3 wt% nanoclay, aligning with micromechanical predictions from the Halpin–Tsai model for high aspect-ratio platelet reinforcements. Impact strength exhibited a 56% enhancement at 3 wt% due to synergistic fracture toughening mechanisms, including crack pinning, deflection, branching, and localized plastic shear, whereas a reduction at 5 wt% was ascribed to platelet tactoid aggregation and void-induced stress concentrations. The statistical study demonstrated that the 3 wt% composition shown markedly enhanced impact resistance. Overall, the findings show that mechanical reinforcement is maximized at an ideal nanoclay loading of 3 wt% before aggregation-driven embrittlement imposes declining returns.

Keywords: Epoxy-nanoclay composites, hardness, tensile properties, impact strength

[This article belongs to International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering ]

How to cite this article:
B. Suresha*. Effect of Nanoclay Loading on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites. International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering. 2026; 04(01):36-45.
How to cite this URL:
B. Suresha*. Effect of Nanoclay Loading on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites. International Journal of Advance in Molecular Engineering. 2026; 04(01):36-45. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/ijame/article=2026/view=240263


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 04
Issue 01
Received 22/01/2026
Accepted 07/02/2026
Published 10/03/2026
Publication Time 47 Days
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