Fabrication and mechanical properties of TiO2 polymer-matrix nanocomposite and its 3D woven composite

The present work aims to study the effect of nano-TiO2 modified epoxy on the tension, compression, and fracture toughness properties of nano-doped polymer (NP) and nano-doped 3D woven (NW) composites. Nanoparticles are dispersed into epoxy using high-speed shear mixing and ultrasonication processes. Vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding process is utilized to prepare the woven composites. The results indicate that nanoparticle addition can improve the tensile modulus and compressive strength of NP composites. The best improvement for fracture toughness of NP composites and compressive strength of NW composites appears at 8 wt% addition. No obvious changes are observed for tensile modulus and strength of NW composites in both warp and weft directions. However, the decreasing trend is observed for the tensile strength of NP composites. Scanning electron microscope images are observed to evaluate the failure mechanisms of the NP and NW composites.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of nano-TiO2 modified epoxy on nano-doped polymer and nano-doped 3D woven composites, with results showing improvements in properties at 8 wt% nanoparticle addition. The addition of nanoparticles enhances the tensile modulus and compressive strength of NP composites, with fracture toughness of NP composites and compressive strength of NW composites showing the best improvement at 8 wt% addition. Scanning electron microscope images are used to evaluate the failure mechanisms of the composites.