Micro-composite Strength and Nano-filler Effects

• Published in: Journal of composite materials 2008-03, Vol.42 (6), p.603-629
• Main Author: Subawi, Handoko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exact sciences and technology; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Physics; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics
• ISSN: 0021-9983; 1530-793X
• DOI: 10.1177/0021998307086201

The subject of composite materials with reinforced fiber has been studied recently. This study to improve both the mechanical characteristics and the durability of composite panels focused on the appropriate use of silica fume. However, there are some differences among nano-fillers as to whether the mechanisms underlying these improvements depend primarily on the physical or nature of silica fume. In this work, a micro-balloon, which is physically similar to a silica fume but is a polymeric base, is used to evaluate the relative significance of the physical effects. The results show that at 0.5—2wt% the influence of silica fume on the compressive strength of composite panels may be attributed mainly to physical-mechanical effects. However, even at higher proportions there is a difference in gel time to critical application period in the wet lay-up method between the silica fume and micro-balloon. This study of micro-composite materials explains the differences in the value of the strength index.