Physical, mechanical and environmental stress cracking characteristics of epoxy/glass fiber composites: Effect of matrix/fiber modification and fiber loading

Abstract

Abstract Modified epoxy composites reinforced with various glass fiber contents up to 12 wt% were prepared by a simple fabrication method which involved mechanical stirring, hot pressing and post-curing. The effects of matrix modification with liquid epoxidised natural rubber (LENR) and fiber treatment with silane coupling agent on the physical, mechanical and dynamic thermal properties were examined. The modified epoxy composites had reduced density, water resistance and hardness. When compared to untreated glass fiber, the epoxy/LENR composites containing treated fiber exhibited improved water resistance and hardness property with comparable composite density. At 9 wt% of treated fiber, it revealed the highest hardness value of 65.6 and reduced diffusion coefficient of 2.2013 x 10-7 mm2s-1. The excellent storage modulus and interfacial adhesion (lower Tan δ) were obtained for treated glass fiber composites. Based on environmental stress cracking resistance evaluation under corrosive mediums, the fiber treatment had positively contributed to the degradation mechanism.