Effect of Nanosilica on Compressive Properties of Hybrid Structural Composites

Over the past few years, carbon fibers have emerged as a crucial material extensively utilized in various industrial applications, acting as prevalent reinforcing components in the manufacturing of polymer composite laminates. In compression, the interfacial region among the matrix fiber and the matrix properties plays crucial characteristics in offering lateral support to the fibers. The susceptibility of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites to diminished compressive strength arises from the inherent brittleness displayed by both carbon fibers and epoxy resin. The current study investigated the influence of nanosilica on the compressive characteristics of CFRP composites at room temperature. The resin film infusion (RFI) method was used to fabricate composite laminates containing 5 wt% nanosilica using a 40 wt% nano-silica/epoxy masterbatch (Nanopox F400). Compared to nanosilica-modified composites, a uniaxial compression test assessed the compressive strength response of pristine epoxy-reinforced CFRP composites. Intriguingly, nanosilica-modified CFRP composites unveiled a notable improvement in compressive strength by showing an impressive increment of 20%. More efforts are required to be directed at enhancing the matrix-prevailed characteristics of structural composites through nanoparticle modifications hold significant promise in the pursuit of developing lighter yet more robust materials, with load-bearing applications spanning both defense and civilian engineering.