Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Mechanical behavior of TiO2-Glass/EpoxyHybrid Nanocomposite

In this research, by addition of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 Vol. % of TiO2 to E-glass/Epoxy resin, mechanical properties of hybrid nanocomposites have been tested.The hybrid nanocomposite is fabricated by 4 layers of 200 gr/m2 E-glass and epoxy resin that mixed mechanically and ultrasonically with TiO2 nanopowder. The results of tensile tests of samples show good improvement in the stiffness and strength of hybrid nanocomposites. Although the stiffness and strength of pure epoxy are increased a little, but because of some adhering changes between fiber and nanocomposite matrix, mechanical properties of final hybrid nanocomposite are significantly changed.Tensile test performed in two cases of 0/90 and -45/+45 laminating. In both cases, test results show very good improvement around 20-30% of initial strength although improvement in stiffness is limited. The results of DMTA tests showed great improvement in viscoelastic behavior of samples. For more analysis, creep test of hybrid nanocomposite is also done and the results showed improvement in creep resistance like the TiO2/Epoxy nanocomposite. Fractography of ruptured samples indicated better contact between fiber and matrix in hybrid nanocomposites.However, all tests showed that adding of TiO2 in the epoxy resin and Glass/Epoxy composite, showed improvement in many properties of final products. This technique is also can be used for eliminate the disadvantages and also improve some properties of Glass/Epoxy composite.