Evaluation of fracture toughness of epoxy polymer composite incorporating micro/nano silica, rubber and CNTs

Abstract In engineering applications, fracture toughness is an essential requirement that determines the life of a material. Epoxy polymers are widely used in fibre-reinforced composite materials. Due to their structural efficiency and durability, the use of adhesive and composite materials based on epoxy polymers is widespread in aerospace and automobile industries. In this paper fracture toughness of hybrid epoxy polymer composite with addition of nano/micro figures of silica, rubber and carbon nano tubes (CNTs) is evaluated. It is observed that silica addition promoted nano toughening effect with plastically deformation capability in epoxies. Rubber and multi walled CNTs increased the toughness with negligible reduction in stiffness in epoxies. Future research emphasis can be laid on crucial understanding of stress transfer mechanisms and interfacial bond strength between nano particles – epoxy system and on nanofillers modified epoxies as matrices or interleafs for carbon or glass fiber composites to increase the interlaminar delamination toughness.