Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Epoxy-Based Glass Fabric Composites via Nano Silica Integration
M Nagendran, Senthil Maharaj Kennedy, Manigandan Sekar, Vignesh Moorthy Pandian
Abstract
The objective of this study is to improve the mechanical, thermal, and microstructural characteristics of glass fabric composites made of epoxy by adding nano silica fillers. Composites were produced through compression molding, incorporating different concentrations of nano silica (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%). The study encompassed testing the tensile and flexural strength, analyzing thermal properties through TGA and DTA, and characterizing the microstructure using FESEM and FTIR. The findings indicated that composites containing 5% nano silica exhibited the greatest tensile and flexural strengths, enhanced thermal stability, and superior heat dissipation in comparison to composites with different concentrations. The analysis of the microstructure revealed improved distribution of the filler material and decreased voids, resulting in a stronger bond between the matrix and the reinforcement. The findings emphasize the potential of nano silica-enhanced composites in aerospace, automotive, and other engineering sectors. This represents a notable advancement in composite technology for creating strong and efficient materials.