Tension–tension fatigue performance and stiffness degradation of nanosilica-modified glass fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of nanosilica on glass-reinforced epoxy composites under static mechanical and tension–tension fatigue loading. The glass-reinforced epoxy composites were manufactured with three different concentrations of nanosilica (6, 7, and 8 wt%). Static mechanical tests include tensile, flexure and short-beam strength. 6 wt% nanosilica composites showed the greatest enhancement in tensile strength, percentage elongation, and inter-laminar shear strength compared to the other concentrations and the control. Extensive tension–tension fatigue tests (R-ratio of 0.1 and frequency 2 Hz) were conducted on the control and 6 wt% nanosilica composites. In load-controlled and constant amplitude tests, a percentage of the ultimate tensile strength was applied to the specimens. Stress applied was from 80% of UTS, and reduced in steps of 10% until specimens survived 1 million cycles. In high-cycle and low-cycle fatigue tests, 6 wt% nanosilica composites showed 10 and 3 times improvement in fatigue life, respectively, compared to the control composites. Stiffness degradation curves were explained with three stages of damage mechanisms. The final failure occurred due to fiber breakage in the third stage. Both the control and 6 wt% nanosilica composites survived 1 million cycles at a maximum stress of 46.6 MPa, but at the end of 1 million cycles, control composites lost 65% modulus compared to 45% modulus loss in the 6 wt% nanosilica composites.

Hybrid Polymer Composites Used in the Arms Industry: A Review

“…The composite containing 6 wt% of nanosilica showed the highest increase in tensile strength (22%) and elongation and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) (26%). The composite containing 7 wt% of nanosilica had the highest elastic modulus and flexural strength [ 40 ]. Ravi et al investigated the effect of reinforcing the composite with PMMA and silicon carbide (SiC) beads.…”

Nanosilica-Toughened Epoxy Resins

“…In another study Tate et al investigated a typical system for rotor blades for wind energy generators [ 67 ]: a ±45° multiaxial glass fiber fabric was impregnated by an amine-cured DGEBA using a VARTM process. A modification with 6 wt % silica nanoparticles increased both tensile and flexural modulus, tensile and flexural strength as well as ILSS.…”

“… Stress versus number of cycles until failure (S–N) curves for unmodified and 6 wt % SiO 2 -containing epoxy GFRC [ 67 ]. …”

Low-velocity impact behavior of glass fiber epoxy composites modified with nanoceramic particles

“…Tate et al. 3 investigated the influence of 6 wt%, 7 wt%, and 8 wt% nanosilica on glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in static mechanical and fatigue loading. It was observed that 6 wt% loading has a greater effect on tensile strength, percentage elongation, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS).…”

“…The effect of nanosilica on tensile properties of epoxy nanocomposites is studied by Jumahat et al 2 and it was found that at 25 wt% loading level of nanosilica, improvement in modulus and strength is about 38% and 24%. Tate et al 3 investigated the influence of 6 wt%, 7 wt%, and 8 wt% nanosilica on glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites in static mechanical and fatigue loading. It was observed that 6 wt% loading has a greater effect on tensile strength, percentage elongation, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS).…”