NOVEL METHODS OF INCORPORATING NANOPARTICLES INTO FIBER PREFORMS

摘要

Conventional fiber reinforced polymer composites offer many desirable properties such as high strength to weight ratio and high modulus to weight ratio. Nanoparticles have shown great promise for improving mechanical properties. Successful incorporation of nanoparticles has long been a great challenge for the composite industry. In this study, a novel approach is applied to incorporate nanoparticles into WindStrand～(TM)glass fiber preforms, Vinyl Ester composite panels were manufactured through vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. Mechanical properties of the composites were measured. Flexural strength and modulus were improved with incorporation of nanoparticles.