A technical review on epoxy-clay nanocomposites: structure, properties, and their applications in fiber reinforced composites

The review presents a survey of the literature on structure–property relationships in epoxy-clay nanocomposites. Herein, various pivotal parameters affecting structures and properties of the nanocomposites including various types of modification as well as a vast range of available dispersion techniques were discussed. Opportunities and challenges in regards to potential applications of nanoclay in multi-scale composites have been also addressed. The multi-scale composites containing nanoclays have been reviewed in terms of mechanical properties in both out-of-plane and in-plane directions, and compared with those containing carbon based nanofillers. In this regards, the improving mechanisms in mechanical properties of both epoxy-clay nanocomposites and nanoclay filled fiber reinforced composites were also discussed.