Mechanical properties of nano polystyrene (PS) fibers reinforced epoxy composites

In this search, Polystyrene Nanofibers reinforced epoxy (NPS.Ep.) was presented, in addition to the mechanical properties involved (Shore D hardness, Bending Strength, Impact strength, and Density) were studied. PS Nano fibers with a diameter of 100 nm are used as a reinforcement phase and different volume fractions of PS Nanofibers between 30–60 wt. % were used for reinforced epoxy resin. Results of nanocomposites' density show a decrease with increasing the weight ratio of PS nanofibers in the nanocomposite. While the thermal characterization of the epoxy composites was carried out by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the result of thermal analysis revealed that the addition of PS increased thermal stability. Results of Shore D Hardness also show an increase in hardness with increasing the weight ratio of PS Nanofibers in the nanocomposite, it increases from (40) of pure epoxy to (78) of epoxy with (60 wt. %) PS nanofibers. Another result is related to the bending test results, which show that the addition of the PSNFs can increase the bending strength of the pure substrate (Epoxy). Another group of characterizations included the impact test. We noticed that the addition of the PSNFs can increase the impact strength of the epoxy substrate. All the results show there is an improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of nanocomposites (NPS: Ep.), and the increase in fiber weight ratio led to further improvement in these properties. This study figured out that the composite material tested is acceptable for many applications because it enhances the mechanical properties, such as stiffness and strength, and lightweight characteristics for the composite, making it ideal for high–performance structural parts, such as replacing automobile interiors, particularly car dashboards.