Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Polymer by Adding Ceramic Nanoparticles for Aeronautical Structural Applications

Abstract

The multiscale hybridization of ceramic nanoparticles incorporated into polymer matrices reinforced with hybrid fibers offers a new opportunity to develop high-performance, multifunctional composites, especially for applications in aeronautical structures. In this study, two different kinds of hybrid fibers were selected, woven carbon and glass fiber, while two different ceramic nanoparticles, alumina (Al2O3) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), were chosen to incorporate into a polymer matrix (epoxy resin). To obtain good dispersion of additive nanoparticles within the resin matrix, the ultrasonication technique was implemented. The microstructure, XRD patterns, hardness, and tensile properties of the fabricated composites were investigated here. Microstructural characterization demonstrated a good dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles of Al2O3 and GNPs in the fabricated composites. The addition of GNPs/Al2O3 nanoparticles as additive reinforcements to the fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) induced a significant increase in the hardness and tensile strength. Generally, the FRPs with 3 wt.% nano-Al2O3 enhanced composites exhibit higher tensile strength as compared with all other sets of composites. Particularly, the tensile strength was improved from 133 MPa in the unreinforced specimen to 230 MPa in the reinforced specimen with 3 wt.% Al2O3. This can be attributed to the better distribution of nanoparticles in the resin polymer, which, in turn, induces proper stress transfer from the matrix to the fiber phase. The hybrid mode mechanism depends on the interaction among the mechanical properties of fiber, the physical and chemical evolution of resin, the bonding properties of the fiber/resin interface, and the service environment. Therefore, the hybrid mode of woven carbon and glass fibers at a volume fraction of 64% with additive nanoparticles of GNPs/Al2O3 within the resin was appropriate to produce aeronautical structures with extraordinary properties.

The influence of induced holes on crashworthy ability of glass reinforced epoxy square tubes

“…[1] As reported by Ma et al, [2] thin-walled structures can serve as an ideal energy absorber due to its several benefits, such as good energy absorbing capacity (EAC), high stiffness, strength, and corrosion resistance, lightweight, low cost, and ease of fabrication. [3][4][5][6] Several candidates of materials and different cross-sections can be applied for energy absorbing purposes. Traditionally metals like steel and aluminum (Al) are used because of their controlled plastic deformation.…”

Quasi-static axial crushing performance of thin-walled tubes with circular hole discontinuities

“…1,2 Crashworthy elements as energy absorbers are widely composed of thin-walled structures due to their several benefits, such as good energy absorbing capacity (EAC), high stiffness, strength, and corrosion resistance, light weight, low cost, and ease of fabrication. 3,4 Several candidates of materials and different cross-sections can be applied for energy absorbing purposes. Traditionally, metals like steel (St) and aluminum (Al) are used because of their controlled plastic deformation [5][6][7][8] .…”

Effect of the Mixing Technique of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Graphene Nanofibers on Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Based Nanocomposites and Composites

“…Munoz et al [ 22 ] have developed a graphene oxide dispersion technique that involves many steps of mechanical dispersion in water and centrifugation, finally followed by a freeze-drying step of the GO suspension: the so obtained aerogel is mechanically mixed with the epoxy matrix and the resulting nanocomposite is characterized by an improvement of the compression strength (+39%) with only 0.3 wt% of GO. Furthermore, in the case of CFRPs, the approach consisting of the addition of micro/nanoparticles [ 23 , 24 ] to the polymer matrix, allows to remarkably improve their mechanical properties: for example, in the work of Mostovoy et al [ 25 ], the addition of the APTES/aminoacetic acid functionalized graphene oxide induces an increase in the tensile strength and modulus of about 39% and 31%, respectively, due to the improvement of the interfacial strength between the fibers and the matrix. By adding 5 wt% of SiC NPs, Alsadi [ 26 ] increased the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of CFRPs and aramidic fiber reinforced polymers of about 34% and 46%, respectively.…”