Abstract:
Epoxy composites with glass fiber reinforcement can be found in the automotive and aer‐
ospace industries. In this study, the properties of the epoxy matrix were enhanced by processing
composites filled with ceramic particles of silicon carbide (SiC). At first, SiC‐filled E‐glass fiber‐re‐
inforced epoxy composites/sandwich structures were processed using the hand layup technique.
Next, processed composites were characterized using a tensile tester and an Izod impact tester to
determine the best mixing ratio of ceramic‐embedded epoxy composites. The highest mechanical
properties were obtained according to ASTM D638 and D256 standards. Next, Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD),
analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were
carried out respectively to find out the presence of functional groups, surface morphology, crystal‐
lographic structure, glass transition temperature (Tg) and thermal/material stability of processed
composites. In the end, the study elaborates that the mechanical properties of epoxy matrix compo‐
sites were improved by the addition of SiC ceramic fillers, and among processed composites,
10%SiCE composite carried the highest properties, including the Tg value of 62.8 °C, 69.87 MPa for
tensile strength and 57.12 kJ m−1 for impact strength.
