Mechanical properties of electrospun nanofiber reinforced/interleaved epoxy matrix composites-a review

Electrospinning has by far proved to be the most successful method to spin high aspect and surface area to volume ratio nanofiber for multidisciplinary applications. Its application, however, as reinforcement in fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites (FRPC's) started from interlaminar fracture toughness improvement through interleaving. Since then, its usage both in short fiber and nonwoven mat formation has been phenomenally increased to tailor mechanical properties. This review paper focuses on application of nanofiber in multiscale reinforced epoxy matrix composites for mechanical performance. After a brief overview of electrospinning and spinning parameters, it presents a case for nanofiber as reinforcement with attendant mechanisms to develop insight into nanocomposite performance. Next, it summarizes and shares findings of studies, carried out in last 10 years, seeking to enhance tensile, flexural, interlaminar toughness, impact, and fatigue properties of epoxy composites through electrospun nanofiber reinforcement. Finally, it presents a perspective to gain headways in nanofiber reinforced FRPC's research through a variety of processing and material variables