Enhancing mechanical properties of fused silica composites by introducing well-dispersed boron nitride nanosheets

Well-dispersed boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) reinforced fused silica composites were successfully fabricated by surface modification assisted flocculation method. Surface modification can enhance the performance of flocculation process. BNNSs were homogeneously mixed with fused silica through the electrostatic interaction between hydroxylated BNNSs with negative charge and amino-modified fused silica with positive charge. The BNNSs can act as excellent nanofillers for enhancing the mechanical properties of fused silica composites. Approximately 74% and 48% increases in flexure strength and fracture toughness can be achieved for the 1.5 wt% BNNSs/fused silica composite, respectively. The toughening mechanisms were analyzed by microstructural characterization, especially for pull-out mechanism.