Reinforcing Effect of Organosilane-Grafted CaCO3 Nanoparticles on Mechanical Performance of E-Glass Chopped Strand Mat/Epoxy Composites

Herein, the reinforcing effects of CaCO3 nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of E-glass chopped strand mat (CSM)/epoxy composites have been investigated. The CaCO3 nanoparticles were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS), and the characterization techniques illustrated that functionalized-CaCO3 (f-CaCO3) was successfully prepared. In the composite fabrication stage, various f-CaCO3 loadings (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) were incorporated into the epoxy resin, and then the multiscale composites were prepared using the hand lay-up technique. Among these composites, the sample containing 0.1 wt% f-CaCO3 demonstrated the highest interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) (33% increase in comparison with the neat sample). Moreover, the maximum tensile strength and modulus were observed for the 3 wt% and 5 wt% f-CaCO3 additions with 19% and 41% improvements, respectively as compared to the neat sample. The examination of the fracture surface showed that the nanocomposite matrix was better bonded to the fibers in comparison to the neat epoxy matrix.