Surface topographical studies of glass fiber reinforced epoxy-ZnO nanocomposites

Abstract

The objective of present research work is to investigate the surface morphology and surface microhardness of unidirectional E-glass fiber epoxy composites filled with varying amount of ZnO nanofiller content such as 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% respectively. ZnO nanofiller was added to the epoxy resin matrix in varying amount (wt%) using mechanical stirrer and followed by ultrasonication process. The laminate composites were fabricated using a compression molding press technique. Further, laminate composites were subjected to individual characterization and testing according to ASTM standards. The crystalline nature of ZnO nanofiller was studied using x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and surface morphology of ZnO nanofiller on the resin surface was examined by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental test results revealed that addition of nanofiller content by 1, 2 and 3 wt% resulted in a gradual reduction of void fraction and thereafter increase in void fraction was observed with 4 and 5 wt% of ZnO loading. The surface microhardness results indicated a linear increment with increase in ZnO nanofiller loading from 1 to 5 wt%. Further, surface topography was studied with the help of atomic force microscopy (AFM), to obtain the surface roughness values. The surface roughness values increased with increase in ZnO wt% within the epoxy resin matrix. The results of the surface analysis of the fabricated composites indicate that at higher loading of ZnO nanofiller, there is formation of clusters and agglomerates of the nanofiller which reduces the nano-scale effects of the filler and nanofillers tend to behave as micro-fillers.

Recent Advances and Trends of Nanofilled/Nanostructured Epoxies

“…ZnO-based nanofillers are used for reinforcement of epoxy matrices; increased surface hardness [ 69 ] and enhanced corrosion resistance [ 70 ] have been found in such nanocomposites.…”

“…The incorporation of nanoparticles in epoxy resins allows modification of many properties. In comparison to the neat polymer, enhanced mechanical properties [ 6 , 16 , 27 , 32 , 35 , 45 , 57 , 69 , 85 , 101 , 106 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 ], improved corrosion resistance [ 21 , 25 , 59 , 64 , 70 , 92 , 108 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 ], increased thermal and electrical conductivity [ 5 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 27 , 45 , 86 , 87 , 101 , 109 , 110 , 117 , 127 , 128 ], high dielectric permittivity and low dielectric loss [ 93 ...…”

“…Great adhesive strength is due to mechanisms of mechanical nanoanchoring [ 56 , 92 , 110 , 134 ]. Furthermore, the addition of nanofillers can improve the resistance to abrasion [ 63 , 108 ] and indentation [ 69 ] of the epoxy nanocomposite.…”

“…The added nanoparticles can also restrict the movement of polymer molecules under mechanical loads. Both these phenomena result in increases in mechanical properties [ 69 ]. Where a crack encounters the nanofillers, propagation can just proceed with higher tilt or twist at greater angles ( Figure 7 ); otherwise, it is locally interrupted [ 16 , 38 , 113 ].…”

Experimental study on the influence of different laying methods on the thermomechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy hybrid composite

“…It is more and more applied to the main components, loadbearing structures, secondary structural materials and structural components of aerospace vehicles [6,7]. Especially in the field of general aviation, the amount of composite materials used in many small airplanes is even more than 90% of the structural weight [8]. However, when the epoxy matrix in the carbon fiber/epoxy composite is heated, it will decompose the combustible gas [9][10][11].…”