Influence of modified carbonate calcium nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Abstract

Multiscale composites have been investigated by the addition of silanized carbonate calcium (CaCO₃) as a secondary reinforcement into the matrix of carbon fiber/epoxy composites. The chemical modification of the CaCO₃ nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties of the specimens were investigated by means of tensile, flexural, and compressive measurements to study the effect of treated CaCO₃ loading (0.5, 1, 3 and 5?wt.%) on their mechanical behavior. Experimental results showed that the tensile, flexural and compressive strengths of the specimen filled with 3?wt.% treated CaCO₃ composite enhanced by 14%, 36%, and 30% respectively, compared with those of neat one. The highest improvements in the mechanical moduli were observed in the multiscale composite filled with 5?wt.% treated CaCO₃. Also, the fracture surface of the specimens was further analyzed in detail.