Effect of Silicon Carbide as Filler Reinforcement on the Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Epoxy Composites

What is it about?

The objective of the current research is to study the effect of addition of Silicon carbide (SiC) particulates in various weight ratios on the mechanical properties of Glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFE) composites. Plain weave woven glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GFE) composites filled with Silicon Carbide (4, 6, 8 and 10%) were fabricated by hand layup method and compressed using hot press. The influence of weight percentage of SiC particulates with an average particle size of 250 μm on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength of GFE composites are studied. The tests are done as per corresponding ASTM standards. It is observed that the mechanical properties of SiC filled GFE composites are superior. However, the percentage elongation of the samples is found to decrease with increase in SiC content. Selected failed samples were examined to identify their failure modes.

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Why is it important?

Nowadays, Fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are widely used for structural applications in aerospace, automobile and marine industries due to their high strength to weight ratio, good fatigue properties and easy availability. Moreover, reinforcing these composites with fillers can enhance the mechanical properties.