Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Nano-Al₂O₃ Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Fracture Analysis and Performance Evaluation

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of nano-Al₂O₃ fiber-reinforced polymer composites using a hand lay-up technique. The composites consist of an epoxy/hardener matrix reinforced with E-glass fiber (610 GSM) and varying volume fractions (0–2.5%) of nano-Al₂O₃ powder synthesized via high-energy ball milling. Specimens are fabricated in accordance with ASTM D638 (tensile), ASTM D790 (flexural), and ASTM D785 (hardness) standards, employing a five-layer E-glass fiber laminate strucwture. Mechanical properties—tensile strength, flexural strength, and Rockwell hardness—are systematically evaluated and compared across Al₂O₃ volume percentages. Results highlight the influence of nano-Al₂O₃ reinforcement on enhancing mechanical performance, leveraging the inherent advantages of E-glass composites, such as high strength-to-weight ratio and wear resistance, for potential industrial applications. Keywords: ultimate tensile strength, impact strength, hardness, DSC, DTA, TGA.