Study on enhancing mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite through zinc oxide nanofiller

• Published in: Discover applied sciences Vol. 6; no. 11; pp. 566 - 10
• Main Authors: Raja, Thandavamoorthy, Devarajan, Yuvarajan, kailiappan, Nandagopal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 25.10.2024; Springer Nature B.V; Springer
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Automobile design & engineering; Carbon; Carbon fiber; Carbon fiber reinforced plastics; Carbon fiber reinforcement; Carbon-epoxy composites; Chemistry/Food Science; Composite materials; Earth Sciences; Engineering; Environment; Environmental engineering; Epoxy matrix composites; Epoxy resins; Fiber composites; Fiber reinforced polymers; Fiber-matrix adhesion; Flexural strength; Graphene; Heat conductivity; Heat resistance; Heat treatment; Load transfer; Materials Science; Mechanical properties; Microscopy; Morphology; Nanoparticles; Polymers; Temperature; Tensile strength; Thermal conductivity; Thermal expansion; Thermal properties; Thermal stability; Thermodynamic properties; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxide nanoparticles; Zinc oxides; India; Automobile design & engineering; Microscopy; Zinc oxide nanoparticles; Environmental engineering; Carbon fiber
• ISSN: 3004-9261; 2523-3963; 3004-9261; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-06270-w

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofillers. The composites were developed by adding 3–15 g of ZnO nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix and were evaluated through experimental testing. The results showed significant improvements in mechanical performance, with the maximum tensile strength of 112.49 MPa and flexural strength of 114.82 MPa at the 15 g ZnO concentration. SEM analysis revealed a reduction in void content and improved fiber-matrix adhesion, enhancing load transfer. Thermal conductivity is 13.47 W/mK, while the coefficient of linear thermal expansion is 9.29 × 10 −5 /°C, indicating superior thermal stability. TGA analysis demonstrated a shift in decomposition temperature from 310 to 375 °C, confirming enhanced thermal stability. These results highlight the positive influence of ZnO nanofillers on both the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites, making them more suitable for advanced structural applications. Article highlights Alkaline treatment technique is employed to enhance the fibre properties. ZnO filler improved the thermal stability at degradation temperatures. Proposed composite is suited for structural applications.