Enhancement of mechanical properties of aluminium/epoxy composites with silane functionalization of aluminium powder

In this study, the effect of surface modification of aluminum powders on the tensile, fracture, and tribological behaviors of aluminum/epoxy composites was investigated. Aluminum powders were surface-modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Aluminium/epoxy composites were fabricated by cast molding method using 10 wt.% untreated and silane-treated aluminium powders. Tensile, mode I fracture, and tribological tests were performed on both composites. The results showed that the tensile modulus and strength of silane-treated aluminum/epoxy composites were ∼9% and ∼12% greater, respectively than those of untreated aluminum/epoxy composites. The results also showed that the fracture toughness and wear resistance of silane-treated aluminum/epoxy composites were ∼32% and ∼56% greater than that of untreated aluminum/epoxy composites. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination showed the improvement of tensile and fracture properties of silane-treated aluminum/epoxy composites was attributed to the improved dispersion and bonding of aluminum particles in the epoxy, due to the silanization of aluminium powders.