Analysis of tensile properties of hybrid nanocomposite based on epoxy/ glass fibers/ nano-silica

In this study, nanocomposites based on epoxy, nano-silica and short glass fibers were prepared with hand molding method. The resin material consisted of epoxy resin and polyamine. Nano-silica and glass fibers, with average length of 6 mm, were added to epoxy polymer matrix in three levels 0, 0.75 and 1.5 wt.% for nano-silica and 5, 10 and 15 wt.% for glass fibers, respectively. After sample preparation, tensile tests are performed to study tensile properties of composites and results were compared and analyzed. Results showed that by adding 0.75 wt.% nano-silica, tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation increased and by addition 1.5 wt.% of nano-silica the mentioned properties decreased. On the other hand, adding just glass fibers enhanced elastic modulus continuously and declined tensile strength of the nanocomposite. Furthermore, simultaneous presence of glass fibers and nano-silica caused an enhancement in elastic modulus and a reduction in tensile strength and elongation at break.