Effect of Al2O3 and SiC Nano-Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Polymeric nanocomposites are an emerging research topic, as they improve fiber-reinforced composites’ thermo-mechanical and tribological properties. Nanomaterials improve electrical and thermal conductivity and provide excellent wear and friction resistance to the polymer matrix material. In this research work, a systematic study was carried out to examine the tensile and hardness properties of a carbon fiber epoxy composite comprising nano-sized Al2O3 and SiC fillers. The study confirms that adding nano-fillers produces superior tensile and hardness properties for carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The amount of filler loading ranged from 1, 1.5, 1.75, and 2% by weight of the resin for Al2O3 and 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2% for SiC fillers. The maximum tensile strength gain of 29.54% and modulus gain of 2.42% were noted for Al2O3 filled composite at 1.75 wt.% filler loading. Likewise, enhanced strength gain of 25.75% and 1.17% in modulus gain was obtained for SiC-filled composite at 1.25 wt.% filler loading, respectively. The hardness property of nano-filled composites improved with a hardness number of 47 for nano-Al2O3 and 43 for nano-SiC, respectively, at the same filler loading.

Optimization of drilling parameters on delamination and burr formation in drilling of neat CFRP and hybrid CFRP nano-composites

“…From the earlier work of the authors, it was proven that an optimal quantity of 1.75 wt% Al 2 O 3 and 1.25 wt% SiC nanofiller added to CFRP composites enhances interlaminar shear strength, tensile strength, toughness, and flexural resistance as compared to a neat CFRP composite. This further showcases that the addition of nanofiller to the matrix decreases stiffness between laminas, resulting in lower delamination [4,5]. The minimum F d value was obtained for the 4 mm drill diameter, higher spindle speed (5500 rpm), and lower feed (0.01 mm rev -1 ).…”

“…Recently, various inorganic fillers have been used by researchers to improve the performance of these composites. Some of the inorganic fillers are as follows: aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), silicon carbide (SiC), silicon Oxide (SiO 2 ), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), and calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) [4][5][6][7]. The inorganic fillers added are either micro or nano-sized particles.…”

“…Also, the authors in their previous work have reported their experimental results on the enhancement of mechanical properties at different nano-filler (Al 2 O 3 and SiC) loadings, such as tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear strength, impact, and hardness of the neat CFRP compared to hybrid nano-composites [4,5]. The maximum mechanical properties were noted at 1.75 wt% filler loading in the case of Al 2 O 3 hybrid nanocomposites and at 1.25 wt% filler loading for SiC hybrid nano-composites.…”

Tribological and mechanical properties of nanofilled glass fiber reinforced composites and analyzing the tribological behavior using artificial neural networks

“…While analyzing the effects of filler ratios on tensile strength in Figure 9B, it can be observed that increases are achieved for all filler ratios compared to the unfilled condition. The reason for fillers enhancing the tensile strength of the composite is attributed to the good wetting of the matrix by the filler particles and the strong bonding between the oxygen in the fillers and the polymer, which increases the load‐carrying capacity 29 . However, it is determined that there is not a linear relationship between filler ratios and tensile strength.…”

Influence of Biochar and Bio-Oil Loading on the Properties of Epoxy Resin Composites

“…The biooil/DGEBA/biochar mixture and curing agent were homogeneously mixed in 1:0.1 weight proportions and then stirred for 10 min until a complete dispersion of biochar was reached. The dispersion of biochar is challenging due to the dense nature of the epoxy resin because increasing the weight fraction of biochar in epoxy increases the viscosity of epoxy [31]. Subsequently, blends were degassed in a vacuum desiccator attached to a vacuum pump to remove the entrapped air, poured into a silicone mold, cured at 50 • C for 8 h, postcured at 65 • C for 12 h in an oven (Memmert UF-260 universal), and stored at room temperature.…”