Analysis of mechanical and vibration properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites with SiO₂/Al₂O₃ micron particles

Abstract

SiO2 and Al2O3 micron particle effects on the mechanical and vibration properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites were systematically investigated by incorporating these particles into the epoxy resin. CFRP laminates were prepared by adding various weight fractions (0–10 wt. %) of micron particles to the epoxy resin. The influence of cutout shape and the angle (θcf) between square cutout and fiber orientation on the vibrational performance of CFRP laminates were investigated. As the particle weight fraction (PWF) increased, the tensile, bending, interlaminar shear, and vibration properties of CFRP initially improved and then declined. The flexure strength of samples with 4 wt. % SiO2 and Al2O3 particles increased by 11.70%. The samples with 8 wt. % SiO2 and Al2O3 particles exhibited the highest damping ratio, which was 4.59 times greater than that of the samples without particles. The cutout shape and θcf influence the vibration performance of CFRP laminates. For the rectangular cutout, the sample with θcf = 22.5° exhibits the highest damping ratio, exceeding those at 0° and 45° by 2.28% and 7.10%, respectively.Highlights Three‐roll milling can disperse 4 wt.% particles in resin. SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ particles improve mechanical properties of CFRP. SiO2 and Al2O3 particles increased the damping ratio of CFRP by 359.22%. Circular cutout minimally reduces the first‐order natural frequency of CFRP. Angle between rectangular cutout and fiber affects CFRP vibrational properties.