Dear Salman,

These are the reasons: 

(1) Weak inter-molecular interactions between the chains will limit the mechanical properties.

(2) Increase in the size of nano structure also reduces the tensile strength.

(3) The impact resistance studying the toughness of the material and it is a factor of its ability to absorb energy during plastic deformation. This parameter also affect mechanical proprieties of you sample.

Good luck. 

What are you comparing your composite material with?

Dear Rankesh,

Thanks for your response, I really appreciate your anticipation to share your knowledge here. 

Dear Syed,

I am going to the same composite with different wt% at the range between (0% - 2% - 5%) 

Is there any solution for the strength reduction? I read one Patent literature about using saline modified clay (SMC) with glass fibre reinforced composite. The remarkable results by adding modified clay will result in increase the tensile strength of about 24% and the young's modulus of about 40%. So, it it possible to use this modified filler with carbon fibre reinforced polymer?

 Is it silane modified or is it saline (salt) modified?

It is Silane (organically) modified clays...I am seeking its mechanical properties but I cannot find it.

Hello Salman,

These are the reasons that caused the reduction in ultimate tensile strength of composite materials such as:

(1) Poor dispersion, distribution of the nanoclay

(2) Defect by large particle size of nanoclay

(3) Viscosity increased will cause poor impregnation of the matrix onto the carbon fiber, bubbles in the system with clay in it.

(4) Compatibility of the components in the composite

(5) The matrix system that you used

However, they are not all. Hope this will help

Regards