Effects of Incorporating ZnO Nanowires on the Moisture Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Composites

Abstract

Polymer composites are widely used in many applications due to their high specific stiffness and strength properties. However, designing of polymer composites with high durability is still a challenge particularly in moisture environments. It has been well established that the moisture absorption takes place through the matrix and it then accumulates in the matrix and fiber/matrix interface. This results in the loss of mechanical properties of composites. Researchers have used several techniques like matrix modification, fiber functionalization and fiber modification using carbon nanotubes (CNT) to reduce the moisture intake and/or to improve the fiber/matrix interface bonding. Fiber modification using ZnO nanowires (ZnO NW) is also a potential technique to reduce the moisture absorption as well as interface strengthening in composites. However, the effects of ZnO NW incorporation on the moisture absorption of composites have not been reported in the literature. For the first time, this study explores how the incorporation of ZnO NW in the interface affects the moisture absorption and the resultant mechanical properties of glass and carbon composites