Influence of TiO₂ nanoparticle modification on the mechanical properties of basalt-reinforced epoxy composites

This research work aims to experimentally evaluate the influence of resin modification using Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on mechanical properties viz. flexural, tensile and Inter Laminar Shear Strength (ILSS) basalt reinforced epoxy composites based ASTM standards. The laminates were fabricated a combination hand lay-up compression moulding techniques. Five different weight proportions TiO2 considered ranging from 1% 5% with an increment by weight. To assess quality fabrication, void fractions evaluated found be in range 1.17% 3.98%. modified compared without any it. results indicated significant improvement due addition nanoparticles. When samples TiO2, highest observed having 4% wherein increase around 60%, 40% 70% was seen flexural (526 MPa), (420 MPa) ILSS (30.6 respectively. A dip all further nanoparticle content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) carried out analyse fractured surface for dispersion failure mechanisms. SEM micrographs confirmed uniform while major mechanisms brittle fracture fiber-matrix debonding. Results suggest that such can used as material engineering applications loading is light moderate.