Structural analysis of sol-gel derived TiO2 nanoparticles: a critical impact of TiO2 nanoparticles on thermo-mechanical mechanism of glass fiber polymer composites

The incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles with thermosetting epoxy polymer is an emerging field research over the past few years. It well analyzed that matrix brittle in nature shows rapid crack initiation and propagation without increasing applied stress value. Therefore, researchers are showing their interest embedded composites to improve fracture resistance (brittleness toughness). In this investigation, dispersion TiO2 at different weight fractions (0-2 %) glass fiber reinforced performed enhance structural thermo-mechanical properties. prepared by sol-gel method analysis greater interfacial bond fibers due fine nanoparticles. From obtained results, a significant enhancement tensile strength (38.56 %), flexural (30.52 inter-laminar shear (25.22 impact (327.10 micro-hardness (48.53 energy (40.19 minimal detrimental effect on toughness was revealed for GFRP-T1.0 compare GFRP-T0.0 composite laminates. stiffness rigidity also improved up 52.72 % 34.13 respectively GFRP-T1.5 effects contents clustering size thermal stability transition temperature developed observed thermo-gravimetric analysis. surface morphology characterized transmission electron microscope (TEM) while failure were scanning microscopy (SEM).