Work

Fiber Bundling in SiO 2 Particle‐Modified Glass Fiber Felt Composites Enables Synergistic Enhancement of Short‐Beam Shear Strength and Thermal Insulation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study tackles challenges in improving both thermal insulation and short‐beam shear strength (SBSS) of glass fiber felt composites (GFFCs). It proposes modifying glass fiber felts with silica (SiO 2 ) particles using a waterborne epoxy sizing agent. SiO 2 particles (0, 5, and 9 wt%) were loaded onto fibers using ultrasonic‐assisted dispersion. Sandwich composites were then made by the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARI) process. Results indicate SiO 2 modification changes the interface structure. Dense fiber bundles formed in the 9 wt% samples. XPS‐confirmed increased polar groups. The C‐O/C‐C ratio rose from 0.32 to 0.54. This structure increased SBSS by 28.8%, from 4.62 to 5.95 MPa. The failure mode also changed from fiber pull‐out to combined resin/fiber fracture. Thermal conductivity decreased significantly in the thickness direction by 24.3%, from 0.1938 W/(m·K) to 0.1467 W/(m·K). However, the decrease was only slight in the in‐plane direction. This physical strategy achieves mechanical reinforcement and heat flow control through fiber bundling. It offers a new approach for low‐cost, large‐scale production of high‐performance thermal insulation structural materials.

Source: Polymer Composites

DOI: 10.1002/pc.70435