A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Nanosilica as a Toughening Agent for Enhanced Epoxy Composites for Aerospace...

This review provides a thorough review on nanosilica as a strengthening component in epoxy composites, with a specific emphasis on its suitability for use in aerospace applications. The study commences by examining the distinctive characteristics of nanosilica, encompassing its methods of synthesis as well as its efficacy in augmenting the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy-based composites. A substantial part of the review focuses on assessing the efficiency of nanosilica-reinforced glass fiber composite laminates, particularly in the field of aerospace structural applications. The issue of low toughness in epoxy composites, specifically the occurrence of crack growth and propagation when subjected to stress, is tackled through the investigation of different toughening techniques. These techniques involve the addition of nanosilica and liquid rubber tougheners such as ETBN. In addition, this review presents the techniques used to distribute nanosilica particles within epoxy resins and offers a detailed examination of the mechanical testing and characterization methods employed for these nanocomposites. The study determines that nanosilica, owing to its substantial surface area and mechanical durability, greatly improves the resilience and overall mechanical efficacy of epoxy composites, rendering it a highly promising material for the aerospace sector. This study suggests that addition of nanosilica in epoxy-based composites until 5% by weight gives the best possible outcomes with respect to increment in mechanical properties like modulus, strength, and toughness.