THE EFFECT OF NANOSIZED METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS (MOFs) ON FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER

Abstract

Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRPs) are a common choice in modern structural manufacture; however, they have mechanical limitations. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are additives whose potential as reinforcement will be explored in this study. During synthesis, cobalt nitrate was used to get MOF called ZIF-67. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the obtained powder. After ZIF-67 was incorporated into epoxy matrices at varying weight fractions (0.25wt%, 0.5wt%, 0.75wt%, 1wt%). Composite samples were fabricated with carbon fiber reinforcement and subjected to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Elastic modulus, flexural strength, and tensile strength were evaluated after testing. Morphological and structural analyses of FRPs were performed using SEM. Extraordinary improvements were achieved in composite with 0.75wt% of ZIF-67. Growth in tensile strength and elastic modulus are reaching up to 14-18%. At higher concentrations, agglomeration occurs and negatively affects the mechanical performance. These results demonstrate the potential of MOF-based composites to improve the mechanical resilience of FRPs. This could be a future option for the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.