Mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/silicon carbide nanofiber composites. (4th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vijayan P, Poornima; Puglia, Debora; Dąbrowska, Agnieszka; Vijayan P, Pournami; Huczko, Andrzej; Kenny, Jose M.; Thomas, Sabu
• Is Part Of: Polymers for advanced technologies. Volume 26:Number 2(2015:Feb.)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2014-12-04
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/pat.3437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1042-7147

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibers (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 phr), produced by self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis (SHS), are used to reinforce the epoxy matrix cured with an anhydride hardener. Morphological studies reveal a better dispersion of SiC nanofibers and a good level of adhesion between nanofiber and the matrix in composites with lower (0.1 and 0.25 phr) nanofiber loading. The flexural studies show that a maximum increase in flexural properties is obtained for composites with 0.25 phr SiC nanofiber. The fracture toughness of epoxy is found to increase with the incorporation of SiC nanofibers, and 0.25 phr SiC nanofiber loading shows maximum fracture toughness value. The possible fracture mechanisms that exist in epoxy/SiC nanofiber composites have been investigated in detail. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that SiC nanofibers are effective fillers to improve the thermal stability of epoxy matrix. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>