Hybrid epoxy composites made from treated curauá fibres and organophilic clay

This work evaluates an epoxy composite reinforced with curauá fibres and/or organophilic clay. Epoxy polymers reinforced with nano-clays are also assessed. Composites are manufactured by cold pressing using fibres in pristine and treated conditions. Three levels of the factors NaOH solution (2.5, 5 and 10%) and immersion time (2, 4 and 10 hours) are investigated. Nano-clays are incorporated at the levels of 2.5, 5 and 10 wt.%. The morphology and...