Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) of the hybrid epoxy/carbon-fibers nanocomposites for satellite structures

The current paper investigates the influence of the reinforced nanocomposites, including TiO₂, ZrO₂, SiO₂, and graphite, on dynamic mechanical and thermal behaviour of epoxy/carbon fiber nanocomposites fabricated by hand layup technique. To investigate the effect of the reinforced nanocomposites on the DMTA, several weight percentages (1.5 wt%, 3 wt%) were taken into consideration. The microstructural features of fabricated specimens were examined through an optical microscope. High-resolution SEM imaging, elemental mapping analysis, and fractography were conducted to analyze fiber distribution, interfacial bonding, and failure mechanisms. Superior damping factor and a higher transition temperature were observed for epoxy/carbon-reinforced fiber with 3 wt% TiO₂. In comparison to the 1.5 wt% ZrO₂ nanocomposite, the 3 wt% ZrO₂ nanocomposite shows improved mechanical properties overall, including lower tensile compliance, a slightly higher T_g, and a greater complex viscosity. This implies that better stiffness and thermal stability are the outcomes of increasing ZrO₂ concentration. Adding 3 wt% SiO₂ enhances the stiffness of material's and stability of thermal up to T_g. Generally, an elevate in reinforcement content (from 1.5 wt% to 3 wt%) results in a higher damping factor. At higher temperatures over 80 °C nearly, the tensile compliance improved and increased by the addition of 3 wt% SiO₂, 1.5 wt% graphite, 1.5 wt% TiO₂, 3 wt% TiO₂, 3 wt% ZrO₂, and 1.5 wt% ZrO₂, consequently. ZrO₂ (3 wt%) shows better results compared to TiO₂ and SiO₂, highlighting its effectiveness at higher concentrations. The optical and SEM micrographs show minimal agglomeration and good nanoparticle distribution, confirming successful composite preparation.