Impact Properties of Silica Particle Modified Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Abstract

The glass fiber (GF) reinforced epoxy composite samples used in this study are prepared by four different standardized methods, designated as Methods A, B, C, and D. The GF that is modified with silica particles and prestressed during curing in the composite system (Method D) is proved to be significantly superior as a potential candidate material for use in high impact applications. The impact property of the so-finished composite samples is compared, in turn, with other composite samples prepared by the other methods. There are clean fiber reinforced epoxy composite (Method A), modified GF reinforced epoxy composite (Method B), and prestressed clean GF reinforced epoxy composite (Method C). The results indicate that the impact property of the composites prepared by this novel Method D is greater by up to 100% in comparison with Method A and by lesser but, significant, amounts by the other two methods.