The Effect of Nano-Sized Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) Particles on the Tensile Behaviour of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Composites

Abstract

Tensile properties, such as tensile strength and tensile modulus, are highly desirable mechanical properties for any Conventional Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP)-based composite material intended for various structural applications in aircraft, automobiles, and marine vehicles. In this work, we demonstrate the development of a nano-modified polymer-based fiber-reinforced composite material with superior tensile strength and tensile modulus.In the first stage, Zirconium Oxide (ZrO₂) nano powder is synthesized using a solution-combustion process. In the second stage, the synthesized ZrO₂nano powder is uniformly mixed into a matrix system, and the mixture is used to create the nano-modified FRP composite laminates. To establish baseline data, composite laminates are also developed using an unmodified matrix in combination with glass fabrics. Tensile tests are performed on both the neat FRP composite and the nano-modified FRP composite using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The results show that the fracture point of the nano-modified FRP composite occurs earlier than that of the neat FRP composite, likely due to the increased brittleness of the composite after the addition of ZrO₂nano-powder. The toughness of the nano-modified FRP composite laminate was reduced by 8.1% compared to that of the neat FRP composite; however, there was an increment in the fracture point.The composite exhibited improved tensile strength and tensile modulus due to the addition of 1.0wt% of ZrO₂nano-powder in the matrix, with a % enhancement of strength and modulus at 8.33% and 16.17%, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs showed strong fiber-matrix bonding and less fiber pull-out in the nano-modified samples. The extensive surface area of the synthesized ZrO₂nano powder seems to have provided a strong interface between the matrix and the fibers, resulting in enhanced tensile properties.