Effect of Strain Rate and Silica Filler Content on the Compressive Behavior of RTM6 Epoxy-Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of strain rate and filler content on the compressive behavior of the aeronautical grade RTM6 epoxy-based nanocomposites. Silica nanoparticles with different sizes, weight concentrations and surface functionalization were used as fillers. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to study the glass transition temperature and storage modulus of the nanocomposites. Using quasi-static and split Hopkinson bar tests, strain rates of 0.001 s−1 to 1100 s−1 were imposed. Sample deformation was measured using stereo digital image correlation techniques. Results showed a significant increase in the compressive strength with increasing strain rate. The elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio showed strain rate independency. The addition of silica nanoparticles marginally increased the glass transition temperature of the resin, and improved its storage and elastic moduli and peak yield strength for all filler concentrations. Increasing the weight percentage of the filler slightly improved the peak yield strength. Moreover, the filler’s size and surface functionalization did not affect the resin’s compressive behavior at different strain rates.

Effect of the Mixing Technique of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Graphene Nanofibers on Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Based Nanocomposites and Composites

“…A widely used approach for improving the fracture toughness of the epoxy resins consists in the addition of fillers to the system: the increase of the polymer fracture toughness is attributed to the introduction of new mechanisms for the energy absorption during the fracture propagation [ 3 ]. In the last decades, different filler typologies were employed to improve the fracture performances of the epoxy matrix, such as inorganic nanoparticles [ 4 ], nanoclays [ 5 ], rubber particles [ 6 ], hybrid nanoparticles [ 7 , 8 ], and carbon nanomaterials [ 9 ]. Among these fillers, the most promising candidates to improve the fracture toughness of the hosting matrix are the graphene-based systems, such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanofibers (CNF).…”

In-Depth Analysis of the High Strain Rate Compressive Behavior of RTM6 Epoxy Using Digital Image Correlation

“…The high strain rate compression experiments were performed using Hopkinson pressure bar facility at Ghent University. The details of the setu explained in previous work [23,24]. Figure 4 shows a schematic of the SHPB se cylindrical sample was placed between two bars (input and output bars) m aluminum and having lengths of 6 and 3 m, respectively.…”

“…The high strain rate compression experiments were performed using the split Hopkinson pressure bar facility at Ghent University. The details of the setup were explained in previous work [23,24]. Figure 4 shows a schematic of the SHPB setup.…”

The Effect of Carbon-Based Nanofillers on Cryogenic Temperature Mechanical Properties of CFRPs

“…Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites have gained widespread usage in various industrial sectors such as aerospace [ 1 , 2 ], automotive [ 3 ], and naval [ 4 ] due to their exceptional specific mechanical properties, including mechanical property to weight ratio [ 5 ], in addition to their chemical [ 6 ] and thermal stability [ 7 , 8 ] when compared to traditional materials like steel, iron, and aluminum alloys. As a result, extensive research has been conducted to understand the mechanisms occurring in standard and adverse environments, such as moisture, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures [ 9 ], which these materials may encounter in their service life.…”