Surface-modified alumina nanoparticles-filled aramid fiber-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites: preparation and mechanical properties

Surface of Al2O3 nanoparticles was modified with a silane coupling agent, and aramid fiber-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were produced using these particles. Three different types of laminated nanocomposites were produced. These nanocomposites were obtained by adding modified nanoparticles to the epoxy resin and the aramid fiber, each separately, and to both epoxy resin and aramid fiber. All nanocomposites were produced by vacuum-assisted resin infusion method. The surface-modified Al2O3 nanoparticles were used in five different weight ratios (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%) according to the epoxy resin. Tensile, three-point bending and Charpy impact tests were performed. Moreover, SEM images were analyzed, and EDX analysis was performed to confirm the elements inside the nanocomposites. As a result, it was shown that the flexural strength and Charpy impact energy of aramid fiber-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites were increased. Finally, a statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA method to show that the results obtained experimentally were statistically reasonable.