flexural and inter-laminar shear strength of silica fume nanoparticles/basalt fibers/epoxy multiscale composites

In the present study, the effects of adding different percentages of silica fume (sf) nanoparticles on the flexural strength and inter-laminar shear strength (ilss) of basalt fibers/epoxy composites have been investigated. the flexural strength and modulus, and ilss of the nanocomposite specimens containing 2 and 4 wt.% sf have been considered at room temperature. the results were compared with the behavior of basalt fibers/epoxy composite. the results revealed that at filler loading of 4 w.t% sf, the flexural strength, flexural modulus and ilss enhanced by 27%, 41% and 20%, respectively.