Enhancement of Mechanical Behaviour of Functionally Graded Viscoelastic Materials Parts Reinforced by Hybrids Nanoparticles

Abstract

This paper studies the mechanical behavior of functionally graded material viscoelastic (FGVE) products employed in automotive, chemical industry, and biomedical appliances. Various experimental models describe and simulate nanobeams with viscoelastic layers subjected to tensile loading, 3-point bending, tear, and impact. All specimens were prepared using the 3D printing method. Tensile, hardness, tear, impact, and bending specimens reinforced with different volume fractions (1-5)% of Al₂O₃, TiO₂, and a hybrid of the nanomaterials Al₂O₃ /TiO₂ were arranged via a mixing process with an extruder and then fabricated by a 3D printing machine. The experimental results of maximum bending load, midspan deflection, impact, and tear resistance were validated by finite element methods (FEM) with the assistance of commercial software (Ansys Workbench 2021 R1). Furthermore, the influence of various parameters on the mechanical performance of reinforced samples has been thoroughly investigated, for example, volume fraction index, nanoparticles content, and FG properties. Based on the findings, the most successful results were obtained by adding 1.5 % Al₂O₃ and 3% TiO₂ hybrid nanoparticles. The experimental and numerical results were in reasonable agreement. The discrepancy did not exceed 10.25% for maximum bending load and no difference over 5% for maximum impact load, indicating that the strengthened nanoparticle specimens were properly fabricated. Also, a significant improvement in mechanical and viscoelastic properties was achieved by incorporating hybrid nanoparticles. Flexural bending load increased by about 17 % with hybrid nanoparticles, while tear resistance increased by 27.5 % and impact resistance increased by 7.5%.