The effect of artificial aging on the impact behavior of SiC nanoparticle‐glass fiber‐reinforced polymer matrix composites

Abstract The low‐velocity impact behavior of SiC nanoparticle‐glass fiber‐reinforced polymer matrix composites (PMC) in terms of different weight fraction of nanoparticle, artificial aging time, and impact energy was investigated in this article. In this context, silicon carbide (SiC‐70 nm) ceramic nanoparticle in weight fractions of 0%, 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3% filled glass fiber‐reinforced PMCs were produced by vacuum infusion technique. The specimens were artificially aged in 0, 750, and 1500 h, 85% relative humidity and 70°C in air conditioning cabinet. The after‐impact damage regions were obtained using ultrasonic scanning technique for three different impact energies of 10, 20, and 30 J. The weight of specimens was measured at certain periods during aging and the weight change was examined. As the weight fraction and aging time were increased, the impact resistance of specimens decreased. At the beginning of aging period, the weight of specimens increased; however, the increase in weight decreased over time. Ultrasonic scanning results showed that the damage geometry changed and increasing discontinuity with increasing weight fraction and artificial aging time.