Investigation of mechanical properties of glass fiber-ZrO<inf>2</inf>-epoxy functionally graded composite

In the present study, a novel approach for easy manufacturing of functionally graded composite material is developed. Then, glass fiber-ZrO2-epoxy based composite sample is prepared using the hand layup method of composites preparation. Later, the prepared composite is tested for their mechanical properties viz. tensile and flexural strength. The composite was prepared with 4 layers of glass fiber, and 1 wt% of ZrO2 particulate. However, the position and arrangement were altered to make functionally graded material. The mechanical testing of four different kinds of samples was done to establish the effect of different arrangements of matrix, reinforcement, and filler. Tensile test revealed that the uniform distribution of 4 layers of glass fiber resulted in maximum tensile strength. While the flexural strength was found to be maximum in case of ceramic (ZrO2) top type composite compared to other specimens.