The interlaminar shear strength and impact performance of polytetrafluoroethylene fiber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate composites filled with silicon dioxide

Abstract

The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fiber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composites enhanced by filled silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) is studied. The PMMA blends were prepared by combining the techniques of high-speed mechanical stirring. Experimental results showed that ILSS and impact properties of PMMA composites were improved. The largest improvement in ILSS and impact strength were obtained with 7 vol % loading of SiO 2 . ILSS and impact strength were improved by 15 and 50%, respectively, compared with the composite without SiO 2 . The fracture and surface morphologies of the composite specimens were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. This PTFE fiber-reinforced composite can be applied to bioengineering and fabrics.