ZnO Nanostructured Interphase for Multifunctional and Lightweight Glass Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials under Various Loading Conditions

Abstract

The optimal mechanical performance of glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composites typically relies on the suitability of its interfacial properties to the applied loading conditions. The contrasting interfacial requirements for glass fiber composites in ballistic versus structural applications require multicomponent designs that lead to an increase in the system's weight, cost, and complexity. Thus, interfacial modifications that yield a multifunctional composite performance are necessary to simultaneously yield maximal energy absorption under dynamic loading rates and high resistance to delamination under static loading rates. In this work, a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructured interphase is grafted on the surface of glass fibers to enable the tuning of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) in glass fiber reinforced composites (GFRC) for optimal behavior across a large range of strain rates. The glass fibers are functionalized by using a treatment in piranha solution to increase the surface oxygen content and improve the adhesion between the fiber and the ZnO nanostructure. The ZnO nanowires displayed up to 96% improvement in average IFSS relative to untreated fibers at a quasi-static strain rate and a 68% decrease in IFFS compared to untreated fibers at strain rates greater than 2000 s −1 . The enhanced average IFSS at static loading conditions is caused by the creation of a functional gradient at the glass fiber−epoxy matrix interface due to the ZnO nanowire interphase, while the decrease in interfacial properties at dynamic loading rates is the result of matrix stiffening, causing brittle fracture of the ceramic interphase. These results demonstrate the potential of integrating ZnO nanomaterials at the fiber−matrix interface to simultaneously introduce ballistic and structural functionality into fiberglass reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Surface Modification of Basalt Fibres with ZnO Nanorods and Its Effect on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PLA-Based Composites

“…The fibre whiskerization method, which involves the introduction of nanomaterials on the fibre surface, forming a hierarchical fibre, has various advantages such as the enhancement of the fibre surface area, the possibility of mechanical interlocking, wetting capillary by the matrix, and local reinforcement of the interphase [ 22 ]. There are many nanomaterials used to modify the surface of the fibres, including carbon nanotubes (CNT) [ 21 ], calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) [ 23 ], silica (SiO 2 ) [ 24 ], zinc oxide (ZnO) [ 25 ], as well as epoxy/silica nano-hybrid sizing [ 26 ]. Among these nanomaterials, particular attention has been recently placed on ZnO, due to its multiple properties, such as an extraordinary photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity and good chemical and thermal stability, making it one of the most used materials applicable in a wide range of industrial sectors [ 27 ].…”

“…Recently, ZnO nanostructures demonstrated to be promising multifunctional whiskerization materials, when vertically synthesized on the surface of the reinforcing fibres, in particular carbon [ 37 ], glass [ 25 ], and basalt fibres [ 38 ]. ZnO nanofillers can be mixed with PLA to produce multifunctional biodegradable nanocomposites with important features such as antibacterial protection [ 39 , 40 ] or ultraviolet absorption [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Hybrid Polymer Composites Used in the Arms Industry: A Review

“…A composite is reinforced with nanoparticles by dispersion of the nanofiller in the matrix [ 23 ] or impregnation of the fibers or both techniques [ 26 ]. An interesting phenomenon of nanofiller growth on glass fibers was described by Nasser et al They placed the fabric in zinc salt solution and coated the fabric fibers with a ZnO layer, which increased the stiffness and tensile strength and improved the adhesion of the fibers and the matrix as well as the energy absorption mechanism [ 29 ]. The following sections of this paper present the effects of the abovementioned methods on the mechanical strength of composites reinforced with glass, carbon, and aramid fibers.…”

“…This result indicates the viscoelastic nature of the material, which can compensate for impact energy. This effect also reduces the probability of delamination or cracking of the reinforcement [ 29 ].…”

Preparation of chemically functionalized and self compatibilized short coir fiber ‐ high density polyethylene composites

“…1 Over the past several decades, synthetic fibers like aramid and glass have been in extensive use as reinforcement in polymeric matrices. [2][3][4] Increase in environmental awareness globally and new rules and regulations is stimulating more research based on bio resources. As a consequence, for the last two decades natural fibers are receiving considerable attention as a substitute for synthetic fiber.…”