Concentration effect of γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on the mechanical properties of glass fiber–epoxy composites

In this study, glass fibers were modified using γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane of different concentrations to improve the interfacial adhesion at interfaces between fibers and matrix. Effects of γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on mechanical properties and fracture behavior of glass fiber/epoxy composites were investigated experimentally. Mechanical properties of the composites have been investigated by tensile tests, short beam tests, and flexural tests. The short-beam method was used to measure the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of laminates. The tensile and flexural properties of composites were characterized by tensile and three-point bending tests, respectively. The fracture surfaces of the composites were observed with a scanning electron microscope. On comparing the results obtained for the different concentrations of silane solution, it was found that the 0.5% GPS silane treatment provided the best mechanical properties. The ILSS value of heat-cleaned glass fiber reinforced composite is enhanced by ∼59% as a result of the glass fiber treatment with 0.5% γ-GPS. Also, an improvement of about 37% in tensile strength, about 78% in flexural strength of the composite with the 0.5% γ-GPS treatment of glass fibers was observed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers

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