Effect of CaCO3 Nanoparticles on the Flexural Properties of E-glass Chopped Strand Mat/Epoxy Composites

The effect of CaCO3 nanoparticles on the flexural (modulus and strength) properties of E-glass chopped strand mat (CSM)/epoxy composites was evaluated for various weight ratios (0, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 wt.% of matrix). In this work, a silane coupling agent was used to improve the adhesion between the epoxy resin and CaCO3 nanoparticles. It was found that the addition of CaCO3 has a significant effect on the flexural properties of E-glass chopped strand mat/epoxy composites. The results showed that the highest value in the flexural strength was achieved at 3 wt. % CaCO3 addition, while the highest flexural modulus was observed at 5 wt. % CaCO3. To identify the fracture mechanisms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken from the fracture surfaces of specimens. Micrographs of fracture surface analysis revealed that the fiber/matrix interfacial bonding can be improved significantly by the addition of CaCO3 nanoparticles in the matrix

Keywords:

Fibrous composite , CaCO3 , Chopped strand mat , Flexural properties