Effects of ZnO nano reinforcements in the polymer matrix on the GFRP composites fabricated through VARTM

In present state of art, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) nanocomposites were fancied by several compositions of Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofiller through VARTM process with different weight percentages such as neat, 1, 3 and 5 wt% loads in epoxy matrix respectively. Several tests were conducted on fabricated nanocomposite samples to evaluate the mechanical properties like flexural and impact resistance respectively. A moisture take-up test was conducted to brief the behavior of nanocomposite specimens under the exposure of water. SEM characterization had been carried out to understand the effects of nanofiller on post tested nanocomposites and the results revealed that the samples with 1 wt% loading of ZnO nano-reinforcements withstand higher loads and had experienced with least damage surface as compared to neat, 3 wt% and 5 wt% respectively. The impact energy of nanocomposite specimen was directly proportional to the loading percentage of ZnO nanoparticles. Post tested GFRP nanocomposite samples failed in a brittle nature. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.