Effect of seawater aging on mechanical, buckling, structural, and thermal properties of nano <scp>Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub></scp> and <scp>TiO<sub>2</sub></scp>‐doped glass‐epoxy nanocomposites
Cenap Guven, Murat Kısa, Gökhan Demircan, Mustafa Özen, Ersan Kırar
Abstract
Abstract Ensuring the stability of composite structures in the marine environment is crucial. The harsh and corrosive nature of marine conditions presents unique challenges, making maintenance a top priority. In this study, the impact of seawater aging on the mechanical, buckling, structural, and thermal properties of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites was investigated. Composites were produced using the VARTM method with 2% nano Al 2 O 3 and 2% nano TiO 2 . Aging was conducted in a seawater environment at room temperature for 120, 240, and 360 days. Mechanical properties, including tensile, compressive, flexural, impact, and buckling tests, were performed, and water absorption was determined. Structural analysis was carried out using SEM images. The experimental results indicated that the presence of nanoparticles minimized the effect of seawater. TiO 2 preserved tensile strength by 10.33%, impact energy by 6.8%, and critical buckling load by 3.06% compared to the pure composite. Al 2 O 3 reduced water absorption to 0.594% and preserved tensile strength by 6.67%, impact energy by 4.02%, and critical buckling load by 2%. Thermal test revealed an increase in thermal conductivity with aging, with the TiO 2 ‐doped composite exhibiting the smallest increase (14.66%). The significance of the obtained results was confirmed through ANOVA analysis. Highlights Glass fiber‐reinforced nanocomposite was produced with nano Al 2 O 3 and TiO 2 . The effect of seawater aging was investigated. It showed that TiO 2 nanoparticles are a good candidate against seawater aging. The experimental results showed statistical significance.