Seawater Durability of Nano-Montmorillonite Modified Single-Lap Joining Epoxy Composite Laminates

The objective of this study was to investigate of nano-montmorillonite modified epoxy composite single-lap bonded joints, after being exposed to seawater immersion in order to understand the effect of seawater environment on their performance. To prepare the nano adhesives, nano montmorillonite (2 wt %) was incorporated into epoxy resin. Composite bonded specimens which manufactured with VARIM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Method) were prepared accordance with ASTM D5868-01 and immersed in seawater for 6 months. As a result of seawater immersion, considerable reductions were observed in the adhesives performance. However, the properties of 2 wt% nano montmorillonite/epoxy adhesives were observed that the performance changed less after exposing to seawater. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope were used to investigate the microstructures of the damage surfaces.