Effects of silane‐modified nano‐CaCO₃ particles on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy (CF/EP) composites

Abstract

In this study, the effects of silane‐treated nano‐CaCO3 particles on the flexural, Mode‐I, Mode‐II and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites are investigated experimentally. The surface of nano‐CaCO3 particles is treated with a silane coupling agent, namely, (3‐Glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPTMS). Three‐point bending, double cantilever beam (DCB), end‐notch flexure (ENF), and short beam shear (SBS) tests are carried out on the prepared composite specimens according to the relevant ASTM requirements. The results show that with the dispersion of 5 wt% silane‐treated nano‐CaCO3 particles the flexural modulus, flexural strength, Mode‐I fracture toughness, Mode‐II fracture toughness, and ILSS values can be enhanced by 16.8%, 13.6%, 25.7%, 19.6%, and 19.8%, respectively, compared to reference composites. The storage modulus is also increased by about 15.3% with the silane‐treated nano‐CaCO3 particles. The silane‐treated nano‐CaCO3 particles had no significant effect on the glass transition temperature of the composites.

Investigation of the effect of surface modification types on the tribological performance of cow bone powder reinforced polymer materials

“…Insufficient matrixreinforcement interaction causes agglomeration of the particles and the formation of large interfaces. 8,20 As a result, interparticle stress transfer cannot occur successfully and causes a decrease in material strength. 59 Within the scope of this study, due to the surface modification process, the interface interaction between the polymer and reinforcement increased, thus increasing the tensile strength.…”

“…Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the interface bonds before the reinforcement application. Insufficient matrix‐reinforcement interaction causes agglomeration of the particles and the formation of large interfaces 8,20 . As a result, interparticle stress transfer cannot occur successfully and causes a decrease in material strength 59 .…”

“…Another point to be considered is the compatibility problems between the hydrophobic polymer and the hydrophilic reinforcements, and the inconsistencies in the chemical composition 5–7 . Accordingly, surface modification processes should be applied to improve the interface bonds between the matrix and the reinforcement components 8 . The functional groups in the structure of surface modification agents bind to the OH group of the hydrophilic material, transforming the material into a hydrophobic structure, and forming a kind of molecular bridge 9 .…”

“…[5][6][7] Accordingly, surface modification processes should be applied to improve the interface bonds between the matrix and the reinforcement components. 8 The functional groups in the structure of surface modification agents bind to the OH group of the hydrophilic material, transforming the material into a hydrophobic structure, and forming a kind of molecular bridge. 9 This ensures a stable bonding of the reinforcement to the matrix material.…”

“…Accordingly, carbon, calcium, and silicon-based compounds can be used as reinforcement elements. 8,[13][14][15] The presence of these compounds improves the hardness and lubricity properties of the material as well as its strength. 16 It was reported in the literature that natural materials such as bone powder, mussel shells, and eggshells contain carbon, calcium, and/or silicon.…”