Influence of nanoparticles on the interfacial properties of fiber-reinforced-epoxy composites

The effects of nanoparticles on interfacial properties between fiber and epoxy resin were evaluated based on micro- and macro-mechanical experiments, including micro-droplet, transverse fiber bundle tension and short-beam shear tests. All results indicated that the sol-gel-formed silica nanoparticles did improve the interfacial properties effectively. According to scanning electron microscope morphologies of fracture surfaces, these improvements were likely ascribed to the toughening effects of nanoparticles, i.e., nanoparticles offered better energy dissipation and more efficient stress transfer during fracture in the fiber/epoxy composites.