The effect of modified zirconia nanoparticles on the mechanical response of basalt fibers- epoxy composite under tensile loading

In this study, the effects of nanozirconia on the tensile properties of basalt fibers/epoxy composites was investigated. As a first step, the surface of nanozirconia was modified with a silane coupling agent (3-methoxy silil propyl amine). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum confirmed the reaction mechanism between the silane compound and nanozirconia. Modified nanozirconia with various loadings (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt.%) were added to the epoxy resin via mechanical and ultra-sonication routes and resultant mixtures were utilized to fabricate basalt fibers reinforced composites. Mechanical properties of the composites were investigated under tensile test. The results showed that maximum improvement in tensile strength and modulus, fracture energy and failure strain of basalt fibers-epoxy composites at filler loading 3 wt.% of modified nanozirconia were increased by 76 ,85, 32 and 14 percent, respectively in comparison of composite without nanozirconia. Microscopic examinations revealed that the development of the mechanical properties of composites with the incorporation of modified nanozirconia was due to improvement in the interfacial properties of epoxy and basalt fibers.