Influence of Silicon Carbide on the Glass Transition Temperature of Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites: A DSC Investigation

This study investigates the thermal behavior and glass Transition temperature (Tg) of S-glass/epoxy composites reinforced with Silicon Carbide (SiC) micro-fillers at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% weight fractions. The aim is to assess the impact of SiC on the thermal properties, particularly Tg, and how varying filler concentrations influence performance. Composites were fabricated using mechanical stirring, hand layup, and compression molding to ensure uniform SiC distribution. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) were employed to analyse filler dispersion and microstructure. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) tests, according to ASTM standards, were conducted to determine the thermal properties. Results showed that SiC significantly enhanced the Tg, with the highest improvement observed at optimal SiC loading. This study highlights the role of SiC in improving the thermal stability of S-glass/epoxy composites for advanced material applications. Major Findings: The addition of SiC micro-fillers significantly improves the glass Transition temperature (Tg) of S-glass/ epoxy composites. Optimal thermal enhancement was observed at moderate SiC loading, particularly around 5 wt %. Beyond 7.5 wt %, improvements plateaued or slightly declined due to filler dispersion issues. Uniform SiC distribution is crucial for maximizing the composite’s thermal performance and stability.