Optimizing the filler distribution to enhance the interlaminar shear strength and impact resistance of fiber reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

Abstract In recent years, there has been a lot of interest in the use of natural fibers as reinforcements and ceramic particles as fillers in polymer composites. However, unoptimized process parameters frequently result in flaws such as cavity development, non‐homogeneous distribution, poor wettability, and particle agglomeration. By optimizing the filler %, stirring duration, and number of fiber layers, this study seeks to improve the homogeneous distribution of fillers in the matrix and fiber reinforcement. This was accomplished by employing a L 27 orthogonal array to disperse silicon carbide (SiC) fillers in bamboo fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites. The process parameters included varying the SiC filler percentage (5%, 11%, and 17%), stirring duration (5, 10, and 15 min), and bamboo fiber layers (2, 3, and 4). In order to identify the ideal parameter settings and compare experimental results with predictions, the utility analysis, in conjunction with an artificial neural network, was utilized to analyze the response parameters, including porosity, inter laminar shear stress (ILSS), and impact strength. According to the results, using 11% SiC, stirring for 10 min, and adding four layers of bamboo fiber increases the impact strength by 62.3% and the interlaminar shear strength by 60.9% while lowering the porosity to 1.19%. These findings emphasize how crucial it is to precisely manage processing parameters in order to optimize filler distribution and produce high‐performance composites with improved mechanical characteristics and few flaws. Highlights A drastic change in the ILSS from 12 to 18 MPa was witnessed. Porosity was dramatically decreased by 2.5% after 10 min of swirling. Elongated fibers were observed in the interaction region. Four layers of bamboo fibers increase the impact strength by 62.3%. ILSS improved by 60.9% while lowering the porosity to 1.19%.