Room Temperature Curing Research Articles

Internal Curing Effect of Waste Glass Beads on High-Strength Cement Composites

High-strength concrete (HSC) uses binders and microfillers with ultrafine particles, such as silica fume. The resulting dense internal hydration structure rapidly decreases HSC humidity, causing shrinkage cracks and affecting internal hydration. Herein, the hydration degree inside high-strength cement composites (HSCCs) was examined using waste glass beads (WGBs) as lightweight aggregates (LWAs). Moreover, unreacted hydrate reduction and hydrate formation tendencies were investigated. WGBs with particle sizes within 2.00–6.00 mm were added at ratios of 5%, 10%, and 20% after pre-wetting. The increased number of hydrates inside the specimens were examined under steam curing (80 °C) and room temperature curing (25 °C). The strength decreased as the WGB content increased. Thermogravimetric, X-ray diffraction, and Si nuclear magnetic resonance analyses revealed that the hydration degree of Si inside HSCCs changed when the content of pre-wetted LWAs changed. A visual inspection of the specimen cross-section and scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS) analysis revealed the moisture trapped inside WGB pores and the hydration tendency. Under steam curing and room temperature curing, the paste contained different amounts of hydrates, depending on WGB content. Moreover, water-absorbed WGBs were continuously desorbed through SEM–EDS, and hydrates were present in WGB pores.

Geopolymer bricks prepared by MSWI fly ash and other solid wastes: Moulding pressure and curing method optimisation

The preparation of geopolymer from alkaline solid waste instead of strong alkali presents the disadvantage of low early strength. However, improving the early mechanical properties of the geopolymer to meet the engineering requirements is challenging. In this paper, the effects of different moulding pressures and curing methods on the properties of red mud–ground granulated blast furnace slag activated by municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA)–carbide slag (CRMG) were studied and evaluated in terms of compressive strength and XRD, FTIR, SEM, and MIP techniques analysis. The results showed that the moulding pressure of 30 MPa could increase the compressive strength at 3 d by 182% and decrease the porosity from 30.28% to 27.38%. These results are attributable to the fact that the moulding pressure causes the particles to be tightly bound and promotes the geopolymerisation reaction. High-temperature (HT) curing could accelerate the hydration reaction and increase the compressive strength at 3 d by 133.7% and 141.6% compared with those obtained by water curing (WC) and room-temperature (RT) curing, respectively. Microscopic analyses showed that HT curing can promote the generation of C–(A)–S–H gel, geopolymer gel and hydrate calcium chloroaluminate (HCC), fill the pores, and increase the structure's compactness. Finally, the proposed method was verified by synthesising geopolymer pavement bricks (GPB), and the compressive strength at 3 d was found to reach 54 MPa under an optimal curing method (moulding pressure of 30 MPa, 90 °C for 12 h). Compared with concrete pavement bricks, GPB presents broad application prospects for saving economic costs and protecting the environment. The results provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the application of CRMG in rapid demoulding projects such as unfired bricks.

Effects of Silica Fume Purity on Behavior of Ultra-High Performance Concrete

Abstract The use of silica fume in high-strength and ultra-high performance concretes has been studied from many perspectives including optimum replacement rate, implications on late-age strengths, and rheological properties. However, the effects of silica fume purity (e.g., silicon dioxide [SiO2] content) are not nearly as well documented, especially when shorter duration curing regimes at higher temperatures are utilized. In this paper, four silica fumes with varying SiO2 contents were used to quantify the effects of SiO2 purity in silica fume on the behavior of ultra-high performance concrete. Several variables were evaluated to determine if changes in SiO2 content significantly influenced properties of interest. Overall, silica fume purity had the most impact on thermal set time, maximum temperature generated during hydration, and compressive strength. Thermal set time values differed by over 7 h, and maximum temperatures differed by 7°C. After one day of room-temperature curing, compressive strength varied by 50 MPa, and elastic modulus varied by 14 GPa. When specimens were cured at elevated temperatures for short durations of time (e.g., one to six days), fc values ranged from 35 to 47 MPa.

Preparation of non-sintered sewage sludge based ceramsite by alkali-thermal activation and hydration mechanism

The recycling of sewage sludge (SS) and fly ash (FA) is significant for the disposal of increasing solid waste. In this study, SS and FA were used as raw materials, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO) were used as alkali activators to prepare non-sintered ceramsite under room temperature curing, and the optimal preparation conditions for the ceramsite were determined through single-factor experiments. Alkaline-thermal activation (ATA) was used to enhance the activity of SS and FA, and the results showed that the activities of SS and FA after ATA were largely improved, and composite activation by CaO and NaOH is more effective than that by either CaO or NaOH. The formed abundant sodium silicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gels and few hydrated calcium silicate (C-A-S-H)/hydrated silicate (C–S–H) gels can bind well with the particles inside the ceramsite to form the denser structure. In addition, the cylindrical compressive strength of the ceramsite can reach 7.43 MPa, while the apparent density, bulk density, and water absorption are 2603 kg/m3, 852 kg/m3, and 8.37%, respectively under the conditions that the ratio of SS to FA is 8: 2, 9 wt% NaOH and 6 wt% CaO and 600 °C thermal activation, which can meet the standard of ceramsite (GB/T 17431.1–2010). This study provides an effective way for the utilization of SS and FA.

Improvement of superhydrophobicity and durability of EP+PDMS/SiO2 composite coatings by adjusting laser curing powers

The lack of durability in superhydrophobic coatings has restricted the practical applications of coatings in the fields of marine and construction. In this paper, the composite coatings of epoxy resin (EP), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by using the room-temperature liquid spraying and laser curing methods. The effects of the laser curing powers on the microstructure, hydrophobicity, durability in terms of corrosion and friction of the coatings were researched. The results demonstrate that there were micropores and aggregated SiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of coatings. The coatings had the growth structure with SiO2 nanoparticles partially embedded into the PDMS and EP bottom layer, and PDMS in the bottom layer migrating upward. With the increase of laser curing powers, the nanoparticles gathered significantly and the micropores was decreased. Under different laser curing powers, the coatings had the Si-(CH3)2 hydrophobic group and exhibited superhydrophobicity. All the coatings showed excellent self-cleaning performance in muddy water and ink. As the laser curing power increased, the superhydrophobicity of the coating was increased (the maximum contact angle of the coating was up to 161.90 ± 1.85°). Moreover, the coatings had strong corrosion resistance after being immersed in artificial seawater for 72 h. The coatings still had the superhydrophobicity after 100 cycles of load friction. With the increase of laser curing power, the friction resistance of the coating was improved, and the corrosion resistance was first improved and then reduced. This study provides a new idea for obtaining superhydrophobic and strong durable coatings.

The effect of acrylic silane crosslinker on room‐temperature cured acrylate binder for road markings

AbstractAn acrylic binder with excellent physical properties is prepared using copolymer of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate monomer (BAM), 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2‐HEMA), 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA), and additives. The obtained acrylic resins are subjected to a redox initiator system (ROIS) for room temperature curing. The effects of the TMSPMA concentration and [acryl‐copolymer]/[2‐HEMA] ratio on backbone content are studied in terms of traffic marking paint. The mechanical and morphological properties are thoroughly evaluated using universal testing machine (UTM), UV spectrum, and SEM. With increasing TMSPMA content, the adhesive strength and transmittance of the cured resins increase up to a limiting value of TMSPMA content because of the optimizing crosslink network in backbone structure. The introduction of TMSPMA may be effectively attributed to strong adhesive and high transparency of an acrylic resin series. Consequently, acrylic resins with optimal TMSPMA content can be mostly utilized as a high‐performance binder in the traffic marking paint field.

Insight into the local C-S-H structure and its evolution mechanism controlled by curing regime and Ca/Si ratio

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), as the main hydration product in hardened Portland cement, significantly affects its mechanical properties and durability. A profound insight into nanostructured C-S-H is of great significance for tailoring the microstructure and performance of cementitious materials. However, the effect of high temperature and pressure, which is widely adopted in manufacturing precast concrete components, on the microstructural evolution of C-S-H lacks a systematic study. In this study, the structural features of C-S-H with Ca/Si ratios of 0.83, 1.0, and 1.5, synthesised by calcium oxide and fumed silica curing under steam (80 °C) and autoclaving (180 °C, 1 MPa) conditions were investigated, where a room temperature (25 °C) curing was used as a reference. The chemical components, along with structural and morphological features of C-S-H, were characterised at a multi-scale level using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption. The results prove that autoclave curing can improve the crystallinity of C-S-H and destroy the gel pores more than steam curing. A flaky tobermorite and fibrous xonotlite at Ca/Si ratios of 0.83 and 1.0, respectively, are characterised as the main structure. Autoclave curing significantly contributes to an increasing degree of polymerisation of C-S-H owing to the interlayer dehydration and crystalline transformation, with Q2 units directly converted to Q3. When the Ca/Si ratio is increased to 1.5, the decalcification of C-S-H caused by carbonisation contributed to a high polymerisation in the C-S-H structure. The rising temperature promotes the formation of C-S-H with a high Ca/Si ratio, thus exhibiting Q1 units. A detailed exploration of the C-S-H structure helps optimise the mixture and fabrication process according to the performance requirements of precast concrete components.

An Automated Room Temperature Flip-Chip Mounting Process for Hybrid Printed Electronics.

Printing technology and mounting technology enable the novel field of hybrid printed electronics. To establish a hybrid printed system, one challenge is that the applied mounting process meets the requirements of functional inks and substrates. One of the most common requirements is low process temperature. Many functional inks and substrates cannot withstand the high temperatures required by traditional mounting processes. In this work, a standardized interconnection and an automated bump-less flip-chip mounting process using a room temperature curing conductive adhesive are realised. With the proposed process, the conductive adhesive selected for the standardized interconnection can be dispensed uniformly, despite its increase of viscosity already during pot time. Electrical and mechanical performance of the interconnection are characterized by four terminal resistance measurement and shear test. The herein proposed automated process allows for fabrication of hybrid printed devices in larger batch sizes than manual assembly processes used beforehand and thus, more comprehensive evaluation of device parameters. This is successfully demonstrated in a first application, a novel hybrid printed security device. The room temperature mounting process eliminates any potentially damaging thermal influence on the performance of the printed circuits that might result from other assembly techniques like soldering.

The Influence of Fly Ash on the Foaming Behavior and Flame Retardancy of Polyurethane Grouting Materials.

Polyurethane (PU) grouting material has been widely utilized to control water inrush in mining fields. However, the application has been limited by its high cost and poor flame retardancy. Here, we use the fly ash (FA), a waste from coal of the iron-making industry and power plants, as a partial replacement of conventional filler in PU grouting materials to reduce the production cost and the environmental pollution of FA. The surface-modified FA-filled PU (PU/FA) composites were prepared by room-temperature curing. The effects of FA contents (φ) on the structure, foaming behavior, thermal stability, mechanical properties, hydrophobic properties, and flammability of PU grouting materials were examined. Results showed that the higher the φ, the more porous the PU/FA composites are, resulting in a lower density and lower mechanical properties. The relationship between the compression modulus E and the density ρ of the PU/FA composites was E ∝ ρ1.3. In addition, the surface-modified FA improved the compatibility between the hard and soft segment of PU in the PU/FA composite, giving the composites enhanced thermal stability, high hydrophobicity, and flammability resistance.

Research on mechanical and erosion behavior of stepped polymeric functionally graded materials reinforced with aluminum

AbstractThe aim of this research is to evaluate the mechanical and erosion characteristics of stepped polymeric functionally graded materials (PFGMs) reinforced with aluminum particles. By varying the filler content, gradation is achieved along the sample's thickness direction. Three distinct methodologies were adopted in the fabrication of PFGMs; no curing time between the layers (M1), providing curing time between the layers at room temperature (M2) and thermal curing between the layers at 60°C (M3). The results showed that tensile strength and compressive strength of sample M3 increased by 30.3%, 20.8% and 10.3%, 5% as compared to M1 and M2 respectively. The flexural strength of M3 was enhanced by 9% when load direction was from top to bottom (T‐B) than from bottom to top (B‐T). Moreover, the erosion resistance of M3 was higher among all the test samples.

Response surface methodology for multi-objective optimization of fly ash-GGBS based geopolymer mortar

Neat fly ash based geopolymer require high temperature curing to obtain satisfactory properties. In order to improve its workability and mechanical properties under room temperature curing, taking ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) substitution, alkaline solution to binder (S/B) ratio, and Na2SiO3 to NaOH solution ratio (SS/SH) as independent variables and compressive strength, flexural strength, and setting time as response target values, the response surface method (RSM) is used to design the test and establish the regression model. The multi-objective optimization of the comprehensive properties of geopolymer mortar was realized, followed by the verified experiments of the proposed optimized mix. To investigate the microstructure and composition of the hydration products, the optimally proportioned and neat fly ash based specimens were tested by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the quadratic polynomial model was fitted with high accuracy and the GGBS substitution has a significant effect on the setting time and strength of the geopolymer. The compressive and flexural strengths were 80.46 MPa and 11.98 MPa when the slag was mixed at 75%, S/B = 0.45, and SS/SH = 1.5, which was 9% and 14.8% higher than the strength of neat fly ash based geopolymer mortar maintained at high temperature curing. SEM results show that the geopolymer added with GGBS performs a denser microstructure, which confirms the effectiveness of RSM in determining the optimal mix parameters of geopolymer.

A study based upon the effect of polyvinyl alcohol fiber, iron slag and fly ash over the strength aspects of geo-polymer concrete

In this research work fly ash, iron slag and polyvinyl alcohol fiber was utilized to enhance the strength parameters of the concrete. Fly ash and iron slag were used as replacement of the cement and polyvinyl alcohol fiber was used as an additive at 0 %, 2 %, 3 % and 4 %. After this several samples were casted and then verified for numerous test. Compressive strength test was executed and it finds out that concrete containing Polyvinyl Alcohol fibers (with different curing methods) was showing increasing strength as compared to concrete deprived of Fiber. Specimens of oven cured samples shown a large increase in strength as compared to room temperature curing as shown in the result section. Compressive strength increases up to three percent of adding Polyvinyl Alcohol fiber after that strength decreasing. Flexure strength was carried on the Geo-Polymer concrete with different curing techniques and result show’s an impressive increase in flexural strength, but room temperature cured specimens show lesser growth as compared oven cured specimens. But not lower than concrete which didn’t have Polyvinyl Alcohol fiber in it. Flexural strength increases up to three percent of adding Polyvinyl Alcohol fiber in both the curing techniques and decreases at four percent as shown in the result section. Split tensile test was also carried out for both the curing techniques oven curing and room temperature curing. The samples which were cured in oven curing show impressive growth in strength. Maximum split tensile strength attained at three percent of adding Polyvinyl Alcohol fiber. With the help of UPV, it was found that the concrete that makes with the help of a Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber is of good quality as shown in results.

Low Viscosity Epoxy Structural Adhesive Cured at Room Temperature for Crack Repair of Subway Tunnel

Epoxy structural adhesive has good mechanical properties, especially high adhesion, low shrinkage rate, and high stability, widely used in steel plate reinforcement, crack repair, bridge splicing, and concrete bonding, etc. However, due to the high cross-linking density and high internal stress after curing, its shortcomings, such as brittleness, the poor performance of fatigue resistance and heat resistance, limit its application in special track engineering. In this work, two kinds of epoxy structural adhesives (EPA-1, EPA-2) with low viscosity and room temperature curing were synthesized by selecting different bisphenol A epoxy resin and active diluent as component A and modified amine curing agent as component B. The results showed that EPA-1 and EPA-2 presented significant toughness compared with the classic construction adhesive (AralditeXH160). The yield strengths of EPA-1 and EPA-2 were 4.88 MPa and 13.13 MPa, and the shear strengths were 11.93 MPa and 13.08 MPa, respectively, showing good adhesive properties. In addition, the viscosities of EPA-1 and EPA-2 were 127 mPa·s and 308 mPa·s, respectively, and their decomposition temperatures were all above ∼280 °C, which indicated that the self-made epoxy structural adhesives could be used for the repair of cracks in the vibration subway tunnel.

Fabrication of thermal insulation geopolymer bricks using ferrosilicon slag and alumina waste

The present study introduces the preparation of thermal insulation geopolymer bricks using ferrosilicon slag and alumina waste. Compressive strength, bulk density, cold and boiling water absorption, apparent porosity, thermal conductivity, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterized the geopolymer bricks. Ferrosilicon slag suffers from low alumina content. Thus, alumina is added to compensate for this deficiency. Pristine ferrosilicon slag and the SiO2/Al2O3 (Si/Al, ratio=2) sample were prepared at different NaOH concentrations (i.e., 6, 8, 10, and 12 M; Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio=2.5), different curing times (i.e., 3, 7, 14, and 28 days), and room temperature. The 8 M NaOH concentration achieved the best compressive strength. Accordingly, different Si/Al ratios were prepared and tested at 8 M NaOH, room temperature, and different curing times (i.e., 3, 7, 14, and 28 days). Results indicate that increasing the alumina content enhances the geopolymer properties but reduces the compressive strength of the prepared geopolymer. The sample with Si/Al ratio= 1 exhibited a higher compressive strength (10.9 MPa) than the other Si/Al ratios (i.e., 4, 3, 2, and 0.5) and the pristine ferrosilicon slag after 28 days of curing and at 8 M NaOH. The obtained value is consistent with the ASTM C62 and Egyptian standards. Furthermore, the addition of alumina waste decreased the thermal conductivity of the prepared geopolymer bricks.

Effect of Accelerators on the Curing of Unsaturated Polyester Resins: Kinetic Model for Room Temperature Curing

Several iron and vanadium compounds were evaluated as accelerators for curing of unsaturated polyester resins, serving as alternatives to toxic cobalt(II) carboxylates currently in widespread use in the composite industry. The catalytic power of the given metal-based compounds has been verified by gelation time measurements on a multipurpose unsaturated polyester/styrene/methyl ethyl ketone peroxide system. Due to different demands of the application sphere, our detailed investigation of the curing process has covered two extreme situations: the behaviors of the accelerators under adiabatic and isothermal conditions. Exothermic behavior in the thermally isolated system, followed by a K-type thermocouple, enabled recognition of the inhibition of the curing process at high concentration of the accelerator and verification of its thermal stability. At isothermal conditions, a radical copolymerization process has been followed by real-time near-infrared spectroscopy, which enabled the establishment of a kinetic model for precise quantification of the catalytic effect for given accelerators.

Synthesis and characterization of sustainable eco-friendly unburned bricks from slate tailings

The volume of tailings in the world has increased rapidly in recent years, which poses a substantial ecological threat. With the objective of reducing negative impacts on environment and reuse the abandoned slate tailings, the possibility of making eco-friendly unburned bricks by using slate tailings from Shaanxi Province of China was investigated. Raw materials included slate tailings, fly ash and cement, and bricks were produced through the process of mixing, molding, and curing. The optimal compressive strength of the product was found at the slate tailings: fly ash: cement = 5:2:3 (wt.%) with 7-day curing at room temperature and 1-day curing in oven, and the forming water content is 15 wt.%. Under these conditions, the compressive strength and water absorption rate were 26 MPa and 14.32% respectively. Other physical properties and durability conform to the Chinese GB/T4111-2013 standard for test methods for concrete blocks and bricks and the Chinese JC/T422-2007 standard for unfired bricks made of tailings. In addition, a variety of methods were combined to explore the formation mechanism. The phase composition, chemical structure and microstructure of the brick are analyzed by XRD, SEM and AFM. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) was used to simulate main cementation component, the hydrated calcium silicate (C–S–H) gel, to advance the understanding of mechanical properties of brick at the nanoscale. The results show that the C–S–H gel formed in the curing process acted as the main adhesive component, and the slate tailings are mainly worked as aggregate skeleton to provide support strength for unburned bricks.

FT-IR Study, Thermal Analysis, and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of a MK-Geopolymer Mortar Using Glass Waste as Fine Aggregate.

Food containers made from glass are separately collected from urban solid waste at 76% in most parts of Europe. The cullet glass finds its way to re-melting, while the debris is often disposed of. With this contribution, we suggest an upcycling process where glass debris is simply ground without any washing operation and added to an alkali-activated paste. Metakaolin-based geopolymer mortar added with coarsely ground glass waste as fine aggregate has been prepared via alkali activation with NaOH and Na-silicate. After 7, 14 and 28 days of room temperature curing time, the 3D geopolymer network was investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Vibrational spectra revealed the geopolymerization occurrences, results which have been supported by both FT-IR deconvoluted spectra and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, the antibacterial properties were investigated against both gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (E. faecalis) bacterial strains. The results suggest the ability of the 28 days cured geopolymers to inhibit the growth of the gram-negative bacterium assayed.

Effects of curing cycles on developing strength and microstructure of goethite-rich aluminosilicate (corroded laterite) based geopolymer composites

The present work carried out the influence of curing cycles on the performance of laterite-based geopolymer composites. To do so, the end products were obtained by altering laterite with 15, 20, and 25 wt% of rice husk ash (RHA). Alkaline solution in a constant solid/liquid ratio of 0.35 was added together with fine and coarse aggregates (representing equal and double weight of laterite, respectively). The different obtained matrices were treated in the following three curing cycles before characterization: room temperature curing (RTC), oven curing at 80 °C (OTC) and controlled humidity steam curing at 80 °C (STC). The mechanical tests carried out at 28 days give the following maximum values for each curing mode: 16.40, 28.82 and 56.41 MPa for RTC, OTC, and STC modes respectively. This means that when the samples, submitted in a moisture-controlled environment, the end products are more stable, less porous and resistant. Regarding the physical properties, the results show that the maximum value of open porosity is 11.62% corresponding to a matrix that was cured at room temperature without rice husk ash added, while the minimum value of 7% corresponds to a matrix that was cured under controlled humidity and containing 20% rice husk ash. The optimum and minimum absorption values are 2.70 and 4.60% respectively for the OTC and RTC curing modes. As for bulk densities, the optimum value is 2.64 g cm−3 for the matrix having 15% rice husk ash and the minimum value is 2.33 g cm−3 for a matrix having 20% rice husk ash, for OTC and STC curing modes respectively. The appropriate curing type for laterite-based geopolymer is when the humidity is controlled.

Mechanical, Thermal and Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of MWCN-ABS Films

The multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and the poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) (ABS) granulates are dispersed in acetone separately using a magnetic stirrer followed by ultrasonication. Further, both the solutions were mixed with magnetic stirring followed by ultrasonication. Neat-ABS film, 0.25 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 1 wt% of MWCNT-ABS nanocomposite films of the average thickness of 140 µm are fabricated by the solution molding using a petri dish, followed by room temperature curing and further hot compression to maintain uniform thickness. The tensile properties, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and EMSE of all films are investigated. The results indicate that the addition of MWCNTs to ABS enhanced the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and EMSE. The 0.25 wt% MWCNT-ABS nanocomposite films show attractive mechanical, electrical, thermal, and EMSE as compared to neat-ABS films. More than 0.25 wt% MWCNTs in the ABS matrix deteriorates the tensile strength. However, 0.5 wt% MWCNT-ABS nanocomposites exhibit better tensile strength, Young’s modulus, electrical conductivity, and EMSE than neat-ABS. In this research, we used a low quantity of MWCNTs and followed a one-time heating process in the entire fabrication, and produced MWCNT-ABS nanocomposite films with reasonable properties. Hence, this may be one of the options to produce nanocomposites suitable for EMS materials. We recommend that these films may be used as interlayers to develop an X-band range electromagnetic wave shielding material.

Silane Grafted Cellulose and Biosilica Toughened Glass-Epoxy Composite: Mechanical, Hydrophobicity and Low Velocity Impact Behavior

High toughness, impact damage resistance biocompatible glass-epoxy composites were prepared using 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) treated cellulose and biosilica nanoparticle and evaluated for their tensile, flexural, impact, wear and water absorption behavior. The main aim of this present investigation was to improve the strength characteristics and load-bearing effect of glass-epoxy composite using biocompatible fillers and how the surface modification process helps in the improvement of the properties. The cellulose and biosilica particle was surface-treated using (APTMS) via wet solution method. Similarly, the glass-epoxy composites were prepared via the hand layup method followed by room temperature curing. The results revealed that the addition of cellulose particle into the glass-epoxy composite improved the toughness and energy absorption. However, the subsequent addition of biosilica particle improved the mechanical, wear and drop load impact toughness by about 200–300%. It is noted that in all composites the silane treated reinforcements gives improved results of a minimum of 20–50%. The hydrophobicity of composites retained with higher contact angle for silane treated reinforcements in epoxy resin composite. The scanning electron microscopic images revealed uniform dispersion and improved adhesion with matrix for silane treated reinforcements.