Characterization of Epoxy Composites with TiO2 Additives and E-Glass Fibers as Reinforcement Agent

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become one of the best ever growing technology in scientific and engineering disciplines. Various investigations on nanoparticles have been carried out by many research scholars in the earlier decades. This research work investigates the effect of hybrid e-glass reinforced fiber with epoxy nanocomposite. The nanocomposite laminates were prepared by hand layup technique by varying percentages of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles of 0, 1, 2 and 3% respectively. The nano additives are added to improve the strength, from wear out resistance and hardness of the polymer composite. The nanocomposite laminates thus prepared are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests. The XRD test revealed that the nanoparticles are well typified and a fully intercalated structure was obtained. By using SEM the fracture failures and matrix cracks on the surfaces of the laminates were investigated. The flexural properties of the glass fiber reinforced plastics improved with the addition of nano TiO2 filler particles. At 3 wt % of TiO2 the flexural strength of 203.36 Mpa was attained. Good interfacial bonding between the fiber and epoxy was the main reason for achieving better flexural properties.