Abstract
Molecular Dynamics simulations were used to investigate the effects of absorbed water on interfacial adhesion in an epoxy glass composite. The composite comprised SiO2 fibres, γ-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMPTES) fibre sizing, and a diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA)/isophorone diamine (IPD) epoxy matrix. An average solubility limit of 2.07 wt.% water was found in the simulated system, equivalent to 0.99 wt.% water in a full composite, while an experimental value of 1.15 wt.% was determined. The work of adhesion was calculated for simulated composites and compared to experimental tensile strength in unidirectional composites. Results for both dry and saturated conditions indicated SiO2-sizing as the critical interface for failure. Scanning electron microscopy of failed composites suggests more cohesive failures in the epoxy for the dry samples, while relatively clean fibre surfaces in the saturated samples indicate adhesive failure at the interface. This study shows how molecular simulation can be applied to sized fibre-reinforced composites.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
