Application of electrospun nanofibers for the improvements in mode-i fracture toughness of fiberglass composites

Delamination is a major mode of failure in laminated composites. This paper addresses development of advanced delamination resistant composites using interlaminar SiO₂ nanoflbers. The SiO₂ nanoflbers were manufactured using Tetra Ethyl Orthosilicate (TEOS) sol gel. The sol gel viscosity of 100-200 cps Voltage of 18kV and distance between spinneret and grounded collector plate of 80 mm were found to be suitable for maximizing production of electrospun fibers. It was observed that typical electrospun fibers were of 300 nm diameter after they were sintered at 600 degrees C. These SiO₂ nanoflbers produced using electrospinning were then integrated into fiber glass Epon 862 resin matrix composites. During mechanical characterization of these three phase (fiber glass+Epon 862+SiO₂ nanoflbers) composites, extensive experimentation was carried out as per the ASTM D 5528 standard to study the influence of electrospun SiO₂ nanoflbers on the Mode I fracture toughness of fiber glass composites. Other characterization studies were related to determining the effect of SiO₂ nanoflbers on short beam shear strength, flexure properties, and tensile properties of three phase composites.