Improved Mechanical and Tribological Performance of GFRP Laminate Composites With TiO2–SiC Hybrid Fillers in Modified Epoxy Matrix for Automotive Applications

ABSTRACT Over recent decades, glass fiber‐reinforced polymers (GFRPs) have gained significant traction in the automotive, aerospace, and wind energy sectors due to their high strength‐to‐weight ratio and durability. In demanding applications like automotive brakes and wind turbine blades, material performance is critical, driving ongoing advancements in GFRP technology. This study investigates the effect of nanomaterial‐based hybrid fillers on the mechanical and tribological behavior of epoxy‐based GFRP composites. A combination of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and silicon carbide (SiC) fillers (0–5 wt.%) was incorporated and uniformly dispersed using dual‐probe ultrasonication. GFRP laminates were fabricated via the conventional hand layup method. Results showed that while the 2.5:2.5 wt.% TiO 2 :SiC ratio led to a reduction in mechanical properties, the 5 wt.% TiO 2 composite demonstrated the best performance, with increases in tensile strength (34.59%), tensile modulus (41.91%), flexural strength (5.21%), flexural modulus (28.66%), and work of fracture (23.92%). Shore D hardness improved by 26.19% at 5 wt.% TiO 2 , while the highest Izod impact strength (38.33%) occurred at the 2.5:2.5 wt.% ratio. The specific wear rate dropped from 29.08 × 10 −3 g (neat GFRP) to 7.1 × 10 −3 g at 5 wt.% SiC under a 50 N load, with decreased wear at lower loads. Additionally, the coefficient of friction reduced to 0.52, 0.46, and 0.31 for SiC:TiO 2 ratios of 2:3, 2.5:2.5, and 5:0, respectively. FESEM analysis confirmed enhanced filler dispersion and structural integrity, validating the improved mechanical and tribological performance of the modified GFRP composites.