LOW VELOCITY IMPACT RESPONSE OF GLASS FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITES

摘要

The fibers which are the major load carrying members in a composite structure have been constantly tested, evaluated and engineered to meet the desired mechanical performance, whilst there is still research going on in improving performance of composites by adding nanomaterials to the matrix. Nanotubes embedded into the polymer matrix are considered for higher performance, but they are limited to lab research due to increased affordability and their problem of agglomeration during processing. Alumina Nano-fibers which are relatively new type of nanoparticles that have the potential to improve mechanical properties when uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The aim of this investigation is to determine the reinforcing effects of Alumina Nano-fibers, having a fiber or whisker morphology, in a two-part epoxy resin. Low velocity impact properties are evaluated, and compared to the unmodified epoxy composites and Nano-silica modified composites. Three sets of composite panels were fabricated using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding, namely, unmodified, 2.5wt% Alumina Nano-fiber modified, and 10wt% Nano-silica modified. The impact energy absorbed and the damage mechanism revealed that 2.5wt% Alumina Nano-fiber modified epoxy composites showed resistance to penetration and dissipated energy over large area where as 10wt% Nano-silica modified epoxy composites showed indentation with less damage area.