Effect of the size of the reinforcement phased on the properties of silica-filled composites

In this study, the mechanical properties of silica-filled epoxy resin composites with average silica particle diameter of 6-33 mu m were investigated at ambient temperature and pin-on-disc friction test was conducted for this. Experimental results demonstrated that mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flexural modulus and critical stress intensity factor depend on average particle diameter. The flexural strength decrease with increase of particle size whereas the critical stress intensity factor increases with increases of particle size. Wear rates of silica-filled composites are below a half those of unfilled epoxy. Fracture surface analysis was discussed based on SEM examination.