Optimization of flexural strength of CFRP hybrid nano composites containing nanoZnO and nanoclay particles

The utilization of nanoparticles for alteration of epoxy matrix has results in improved mechanical properties of the CFRP composites. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of nanoparticles like ZnO and montmorillonite nano clay and fiber angle of orientation on the flexural strength of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy polymer composites. In this experimental study, weight percentage of nanoZnO and nano clay and also fiber angle of orientation have been chosen as variables that are independent and the effect of all these variables on the flexural strength of hybrid CFRP laminate composite has been investigated. These experiments were done by using. Central composite design, the part of response surface design method, which has been used to present mathematical expressions as function of physical factors to wear behavior prediction of new hybrid nano composite and also used to present a mathematical model as to reach the optimum design of new hybrid nano composite. The total twenty experiments were designed with six replicates at center point by using MATLAB and the prepared samples were tested for the flexural behaviour. The maximum and minimum value of flexural strength were 932.87 MPa and 53.32 MPa which occurred in design levels 2 and 19 respectively and also optimization was carried out optimizer of Minitab software. The optimization results shows that the best flexural strength got from the software was 1298.1 MPa which observed at 1.3 wt% of nanoclay, 4.8 wt% of nanoZnO and 10° of fiber angle of orientation and experimental value of flexural strength was obtained 1095.23 MPa. For optimum range of variables.