Effect of Alumina and Silicon Carbide Nanoparticle-Infused Polymer Matrix on Mechanical Properties of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer

Unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites were developed by adding alumina (Al₂O₃) and silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles using ultrasonication and magnetic stirring. The uniform nanoparticle dispersions were examined with a field-emission scanning electron microscope. The nano-phase matrix was then utilized to fabricate the hybrid carbon fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites by hand lay-up and compression molding. The weight fractions selected for Al₂O₃ and SiC nanoparticles were determined based on improvements in mechanical properties. Accordingly, the hybrid nanocomposites were fabricated at weight fractions of 1, 1.5, 1.75, and 2 wt.% for Al₂O₃. Likewise, the weight fractions selected for SiC were 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2 wt.%. At 1.75 wt.% Al₂O₃ nanoparticle loading, the flexural strength modulus improved by 31.76% and 37.08%, respectively. Additionally, the interlaminar shear and impact strength enhanced by 40.95% and 47.51%, respectively. For SiC nanocomposites, improvements in flexural strength (12.79%) and flexural modulus (9.59%) were accomplished at 1.25 wt.% nanoparticle loading. Interlaminar shear strength was enhanced by 34.27%, and maximum impact strength was improved by 30.45%. Effective particle interactions with polymeric chains of epoxy, crack deflection, and crack arresting were the micromechanics accountable for enhancing the mechanical properties of nanocomposites.