Determination of mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with electrospinning N66, PAN, PVA and PVC nanofibers: A comparative study

Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites are widely used in many structural applications thanks to their exceptional properties. In recent years, the use of electrospinning nanofibers with unique properties as reinforcement agents has attracted a great deal of attention in improving the performance of these composites. Although there are many promising studies on this subject in the literature, there are still many issues that need to be investigated. In this study, an experimental research reporting on the production and mechanical properties of two-phase polymer matrix composites reinforced with various types of thermoplastic nanofibers is presented. Nanofiber mats were produced from N66, PAN, PVA, and PVC polymers by electrospinning technique. Composites were obtained by embedding these nanofibers into epoxy resin by using vacuum infusion process. Mechanical properties of the composites were determined by performing tensile tests and the results were compared. The morphologies of nanofibers and the fracture surfaces of the composites were examined with SEM. Finally, statistical evaluations were carried out using mechanical data. According to tensile test results, the best ultimate tensile strength of 38.04 ± 3.7 MPa, elongation of 2.46 ± 0.4 % and toughness of 532 ± 137 kJ/m3 were obtained from N66 nanofiber composite, while PVA nanofiber composite was the most favorable in terms of Young's modulus (2.40 GPa). It was observed that the polymer type significantly affected the performance of the composite. In addition to the best mechanical properties, N66 composite was found to be more stable and reproducible than other specimens. Due to the good impregnation of nanofibers, it was conclusively determined that the use of vacuum infusion process is suitable for the production of these materials.