On the Mechanical Response of Polymer Fiber Composites Reinforced with Nanoparticles

An experimental study was conducted on the effect of interply nanofiller on the mechanical response of fiber reinforced composite (FRC). Laminate samples were made by hot pressing of woven carbon fiber fabric prepregs. Two batches of samples are prepared, one using five plies of the basic prepreg, the other with silica nanofillers added between the plies during lay-up. Tensile specimen were cut from the laminate under 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 degrees of fiber orientation are prepared from the laminate. DIC based tensile test is made and the effect of the nano fillers on the mechanical properties are analyzed. Appreciable improvement in strength and Modulus of Elasticity is obtained for fiber orientation of 75 degrees and 60 degrees and reversed response is observed for the fiber angle of 30 degrees and 15 degrees.