A Finite Element Investigation into the Cohesive Properties of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers with Nanostructured Interphases.

Mohammad J Ghasemi Parizi,Ehsan Pipelzadeh,Andreu Cabot,Hossein Shahverdi,Pablo Guardia

doi:10.3390/nano11102487

Abstract

Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites represent one of the most exploited composites due to their outstanding mechanical properties, light weight and ease of manufacture. However, one of the main limitations of GFRP composites is their weak inter-laminar properties. This leads to resin delamination and loss of mechanical properties. Here, a model based on finite element analysis (FEA) is introduced to predict the collective advantage that a GF surface modification has on the inter-laminar properties in GFRP composites. The developed model is validated with experimental pull-out tests performed on different samples. As such, modifications were introduced using different surface coatings. Interfacial shear stress (IFSS) for each sample as a function of the GF to polymer interphase was evaluated. Adhesion energy was found by assimilating the collected data into the model. The FE model reported here is a time-efficient and low-cost tool for the precise design of novel filler interphases in GFRP composites. This enables the further development of novel composites addressing delamination issues and the extension of their use in novel applications.

Highlights

IntroductionOne of the main limitations of Glass fibers (GFs)-reinforced composites are their weak inter-laminar properties, including delamination resistance and crack propagation at the GF to polymer interphase [5]
Glass fibers (GFs) are an ideal and affordable primary reinforcement material, providing high strength and mechanical stability to polymer [1,2], concrete [3] and orthodontic [4]composites
finite element analysis (FEA) was combined with an experimental pull-out test to study the mechanical properties at the filler-to-matrix interphase on Glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites

Summary

Introduction

One of the main limitations of GF-reinforced composites are their weak inter-laminar properties, including delamination resistance and crack propagation at the GF to polymer interphase [5]. These failures take place as a consequence of the poor mechanical stability of the interphase due to a low bonding energy between the fiber and the polymer matrix [6]. Nano- and microengineering methods are widely exploited to modify material properties providing different structures or textures [9,10] In this regard, nanomaterials such as silica nanoparticles or graphene nanosheets have garnered much interest in the last decade as potential fillers to combine with fibers in polymer matrices [11]. An effective interphase design to modulate the filler to matrix interaction, as well as a proper mechanical characterization of it, remains a challenge to be addressed [12]

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Discussion

Conclusion