Impact of silicon oxide nanopowder on the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber/polyester composite materials

Noor Al-Huda Kareem Khalaf; Raed Naeem Hwayyin; Ahlam Luaibi Shuraiji; Noor Al-Huda Kareem Khalaf; Raed Naeem Hwayyin; Ahlam Luaibi Shuraiji

doi:10.3934/matersci.2026012

AIMS Materials Science

2026, Volume 13, Issue 2: 205-222. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2026012

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Research article

Impact of silicon oxide nanopowder on the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber/polyester composite materials

Electromechanical Engineering College, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq

Received: 07 December 2025 Revised: 18 January 2026 Accepted: 03 February 2026 Published: 02 March 2026

The porously branched P-type nano silicon oxide (SiO₂) utilized in this study, which has not been explored before in fiber composites, creates a balance between mechanical reinforcing and electrical insulating. Here, the carbon fiber weight fraction was varied from 20% to 60% with the addition of P-type SiO₂ (15–20 nm, 0.1–0.3 wt.%). The porous morphology of the fibers and their branched structure result in high adhesion to the polyester matrix. A vacuum cast was used to minimize air bubbles in the composite during the manufacturing phase. Tensile characteristics (ASTM D3039) and electrical conductivity of the composites were defined, and the characterization of the composite microstructure was performed. The addition of 0.3% nano-SiO₂ improved tensile strength by 87.4% at a carbon fiber weight fraction of 60%, and ductility was reduced. Specific resistance was reduced by 39% at a carbon fiber weight fraction of 20% with 0.3% SiO₂. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that with 0.1% SiO₂, the homogenization of the microstructures was enhanced, improving strength. Due to its porous structure and enhanced adhesion compared with conventional and hybrid silicon oxide systems, P-type SiO₂ demonstrates potential for industrial applications in aviation, vehicles, or biomedical materials.
- nano silicon oxide,
- carbon fiber,
- polyester,
- tensile strength,
- electrical conductivity
Citation: Noor Al-Huda Kareem Khalaf, Raed Naeem Hwayyin, Ahlam Luaibi Shuraiji. Impact of silicon oxide nanopowder on the mechanical and electrical properties of carbon fiber/polyester composite materials[J]. AIMS Materials Science, 2026, 13(2): 205-222. doi: 10.3934/matersci.2026012

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Abstract

The porously branched P-type nano silicon oxide (SiO₂) utilized in this study, which has not been explored before in fiber composites, creates a balance between mechanical reinforcing and electrical insulating. Here, the carbon fiber weight fraction was varied from 20% to 60% with the addition of P-type SiO₂ (15–20 nm, 0.1–0.3 wt.%). The porous morphology of the fibers and their branched structure result in high adhesion to the polyester matrix. A vacuum cast was used to minimize air bubbles in the composite during the manufacturing phase. Tensile characteristics (ASTM D3039) and electrical conductivity of the composites were defined, and the characterization of the composite microstructure was performed. The addition of 0.3% nano-SiO₂ improved tensile strength by 87.4% at a carbon fiber weight fraction of 60%, and ductility was reduced. Specific resistance was reduced by 39% at a carbon fiber weight fraction of 20% with 0.3% SiO₂. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that with 0.1% SiO₂, the homogenization of the microstructures was enhanced, improving strength. Due to its porous structure and enhanced adhesion compared with conventional and hybrid silicon oxide systems, P-type SiO₂ demonstrates potential for industrial applications in aviation, vehicles, or biomedical materials.

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