Effects of functionalized fumed-silica on the three-point bending and sliding wear properties of woven basalt fabric-epoxy composites

Abstract

In this work, the effects of fumed-silica functionalization and functionalized fumed-silica content on the three-point bending and sliding wear properties of woven basalt fabric/epoxy composites were investigated. The functionalized fumed-silica particles were evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The multiscale composites were prepared by impregnating basalt fabrics into epoxy resin incorporated with various functionalized fumed-silica contents (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt%). The results of the 3-point bending test showed that a maximum improvement of 50% was gained with the addition of 1 wt% functionalized fumed-silica. Besides, the wear rate and friction coefficient of the basalt fiber/epoxy composite were decreased by 90% and 36%, respectively when 3 wt% functionalized fumed-silica was incorporated. It was also found that the fumed-silica after surface-functionalization improved the flexural properties and wear resistance of basalt fiber/epoxy composite more remarkably than the un-treated fumed-silica. Scanning electron microscope was also utilized to evaluate the fracture and wear mechanisms of the specimens.

Keywords:

• Multiscale composite
• basalt fiber
• fumed-silica
• flexural properties
• wear behavior

Disclosure statement

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