On the flexural properties of multiscale nanosilica/E-glass/epoxy anisogrid-stiffened composite panels

In the present study, multiscale nanosilica/E-glass/epoxy anisogrid composite panels were investigated for flexural properties as a function of nanosilica loading in the matrix (0, 1, 3 and 5 wt.%). The surface of the silica nanoparticles was firstly modified with 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-GPTS). The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that the organic functional groups of the silane were successfully grafted on the surface of the nanoparticles. It was illustrated that flexural properties of the composite panel loaded from the skin side can be significantly enhanced by incorporating silica nanoparticles. The use of 3 wt.% nanosilica was the most effective in increasing the load bearing capacity and energy absorption value, while the specimen containing 5 wt.% nanosilica demonstrated the highest flexural stiffness. From the results obtained for the anisogrid panels loaded from the skin side, it was found that these structures displayed excellent damage resistance which is represented by their energy absorption capability. Moreover, a significant portion of energy absorbed after the primary failure at the peak load. Finally, the results correlated well with the observation of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) micrographs where the nanocomposite panels exhibited higher degree of fiber-matrix interfacial strength and also enhanced matrix characteristics, imparted by the incorporation of surface modified silica nanoparticles.