Quasi-Static Penetration Behavior of Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites.

The effect of Al2O3 and B4C nanoparticles on the quasi-static penetration test (QSPT) and Charpy impact test of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composite plates has been studied with the aim to clear up whether there is a correlation between results of these two tests. Punch shear tests on the plates were carried out. The data for the absorbed energy obtained from the Charpy impact test were feasible to predict whether fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites will give positive results in the QSPT or ballistic tests. The predominant damage mechanisms were delamination and fiber break during the QSPT. Addition of 1 wt.% Al2O3 nanoparticles to the composite increased its punch shear strength by 8.97%, but the addition of B4C nanoparticles raised its hardness. It was also found that neither Al2O3 nor B4C increased the amount of absorbed energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]