Effect of <scp>Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub></scp> nanofillers in basalt/epoxy composites: Mechanical and tribological properties
S.S. Vinay, Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin, Chaitra Venkatesh
Abstract
Abstract In this research, effect of Al 2 O 3 nanofillers on mechanical, wear, and hardness characteristics of basalt/epoxy laminate composites were carried out. Composite laminates of basalt/epoxy with different percentage of Al 2 O 3 nano fillers were manufactured by Hand layup method. Mechanical Properties which includes tensile strength, inter laminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness were investigated as per ASTM standards. Wear tests were carried out for different loads with different sliding velocities keeping sliding distance constant. It was observed that flexural strength and ILSS increases for small percentage of nanofillers, whereas tensile strength deteriorates with increase in percentage of fillers and hardness increases with increase in percentage of fillers. The wear results indicates, the addition of Al 2 O 3 nanofillers significantly reduces the wear loss of basalt/epoxy composites. Fractured and worn surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy images which establishes a good agreement with the obtained results.