Flexural and wear properties of E-glass chopped strand mat/epoxy composite laminates containing silanized nano-CaCO₃

Abstract

The objective of this work was to enhance the mechanical properties of E-glass chopped strand mat (CSM)/epoxy composite via the incorporation of CaCO₃ nanoparticles in the matrix. 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane as an organosilane compound was utilized to functionalize the surface of CaCO₃ nanoparticles. The multiscale composites containing functionalized-CaCO₃ (f-CaCO₃) with various weight fractions (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt.%) were prepared to explore the effects of f-CaCO₃ on the flexural and wear properties. The results of the three-point bending test demonstrated that 1 wt.% f-CaCO₃ addition led to a maximum enhancement of 44% in the flexural strength of the CSM/epoxy composite. In addition, 42% enhancement in flexural modulus was achieved with the addition of 3 wt.% f-CaCO₃. The results of the wear tests showed that the f-CaCO₃/epoxy matrix could provide enhanced wear resistance and the maximum resistance was obtained via adding 3 wt.% f-CaCO₃. Incorporation of 3 wt.% f-CaCO₃ resulted in 56% and 43% reductions in wear rate and friction coefficient of the CSM/epoxy composite, respectively. It was also found that the silanization of CaCO₃ had a significant effect on flexural and wear properties. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fracture and worn surfaces clearly revealed that the nano-CaCO₃ addition resulted in improved fiber-matrix interfacial bonding.

Keywords:

• Multiscale composite
• CaCO3
• functionalization
• flexural properties
• wear behavior

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).