Electrospun Polyamide Nanofiber-Reinforced Hybrid Syntactic Foams

Abstract

The potential of polyamide nanofibers towards improving the mechanical properties of syntactic foams is demonstrated. Nylon nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning, and the operating parameters, namely solution concentration and flow rate varied to obtain fibers of requisite dimensions. The fibrous mats were employed for reinforcing cenosphere-epoxy syntactic foams. The introduction of nanofibers (0.25% v/v), when placed perpendicularly to the direction of loading led to a marginal improvement (∼7%) in the compressive strength. In comparison, the flexural properties of the reinforced foam was significantly higher, with 75 and 62% enhancement in the flexural strength and elongation, respectively.</p