Effects of organo‐montmorillonite on the mechanical and morphological properties of epoxy/glass fiber composites

Abstract Epoxy composites filled with glass fiber and organo‐montmorillonite (OMMT) were prepared by the hand lay‐up method. The flexural properties of the epoxy/glass fiber/OMMT composites were characterized by a three‐point bending test. The flexural modulus and strength of epoxy/glass fiber were increased significantly in the presence of OMMT. The optimum loading of OMMT in the epoxy/glass fiber composites was attained at 3 wt%, where the improvement in flexural modulus and strength was approximately 66 and 95%, respectively. The fractured surface morphology of the epoxy/glass fiber/OMMT composites was investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. It was found that OMMT adheres on the epoxy/glass fiber interface, and this is also supported by evidence from energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry