Experimentation on Enhancing Mechanical Characteristics of E-glass Fiber-Strengthened Epoxy Resins with Fillers

摘要

Abstract Composite materials invigorated by various reinforcements have changed the complexion of material processing in the automotive and aerospace industries. In partnership with different fillers, the glass fiber has taken the proper steps towards enhancing the properties of epoxy resins cogently. In this experimentation, the enhancement of mechanical characteristics of E-glass fiber-strengthened epoxy resin affiliated with the inclusion of various filler materials was determined. For this, epoxy resin was reinforced by altering the E-glass fiber concentration and micron-sized Al2O3, TiO2, and graphite particulate fillers via the traditional method of hand lay-up. Experimentation on the characteristics of the fabricated composites was well implemented through six essential tests: tensile, flexural, impact, compressive, hardness and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) test. The results averred that epoxy composite reinforced with 15 graphite particulate filler and 22.5 E-glass fiber displayed the best tensile and hardness characteristics. On the contrary, 15 TiO2 and 22.5 E-glass fiber composites exhibited the highest flexural strength. Al2O3 filler indicated some potential in upgrading mechanical properties but was not commendable compared to the other two fillers. The introduction of selected fillers did not proliferate the impact and compressive characteristics, unfortunately. According to the SEM test, graphite particles were observed to be best dispersed with the matrix compared to other fillers.