Flexural Behavior of Glass Fiber Reinforced Silica Composites via Multiple Infiltration Processing

Abstract

Two-dimensional glass fibers reinforced silica matrix composites (GFS) were fabricated by silica sol infiltration (SSI) method by varying the number of infiltration cycles. A uniform weight gain was observed after each infiltration up to 9 th infiltration suggesting the uniform loading of nano silica within GFS composites. The relationship between the infiltration cycle and the physical and flexural behavior of composites was measured by means of a density and 3-point flexural test along with supporting evidences via microstructural characterization. The results of mechanical testing indicated an increase in the flexural properties by up to 25%, after each infiltration cycle, due to increase in density. Finally, microstructural study revealed the presence of various toughening mechanisms during fracture, under flexural loading in the GFS composites.