Synthesis Effect of Nano-fillers on the Damage Resistance of GLARE

GLARE (glass reinforced aluminum laminate) is applied in the aerospace and in vehicle structures. Degradation and failure in these applications commonly initiate at the location of cracks and joints. To improve the damage resistance of GLARE against stress concentration presented in the vicinity of the hole and around the crack tip, GLARE has been filled with different types of nano-fillers. Aluminum (Al) skin layers were treated to achieve good bonding between Al-sheets and nanocomposite laminate. Results showed that a maximum enhancement of 26.3 %, 35 %, and 22.6 % in bearing strength, inplane shear strength, and fracture toughness, respectively, was attained by the inclusion of silica nano-filler to GLARE. Adding alumina to GLARE also causes an enhancement in these properties in a good manner. An improvement of 21.6 %, 28.7 %, and 20.7 % was obtained in bearing strength, in-plane shear strength, and fracture toughness, respectively, as compared to pristine GLARE. Other nano-modified GLARE laminates showed an improvement in bearing strength, in-plane shear strength, and fracture toughness as compared to pristine GLARE. However, adding nanoclay has an adverse effect. The elemental map showed a uniform distribution of alumina nano-filler into the epoxy matrix, which reveals the enhancement in the mechanical properties.