Comparative study of tensile behavior in micro/nanofiber-enhanced epoxy nanocomposites featuring different textile structures

Recent advancements in nanofiber production technology have opened up exciting possibilities for highly sophisticated applications in nanofiber-based structures, particularly in the realm of nanofiber yarns. These yarns serve as fundamental components in various fabric designs, encompassing woven, knitted, braided, and nonwoven patterns. Additionally, these fabrics can serve as reinforcement in nanocomposites with a polymeric matrix. This study aims to investigate the reinforcing effect of micro/nanofibers in various fabric structures, such as nonwoven, woven, and knitted fabrics. Apart from depositing micro/nanofibers, we successfully manufactured a micro/nanofiber yarn made of polyamide-6. This was achieved by employing two nozzles equipped with opposite charges and flat-tipped needles. Furthermore, we created both woven and weft-knitted fabrics using this micro/nanofiber yarn. Subsequently, we utilized nonwoven, woven, and weft-knitted fabrics to reinforce epoxy resin. The results indicated that the nanocomposite reinforced with woven fabric in the warp direction, featuring a volume fraction of 12%, exhibited the highest Young’s modulus (7500 MPa, 5.47 times more compared to epoxy) and ultimate strength (112 MPa, 5.09 times more compared to epoxy). This study represents a pioneering step towards the development of nanofiber-based reinforcements with promising potential applications.