The influence of nanostructured UV‐blockers on mechanical properties of carbon fiber epoxy composites during accelerated weathering condition

In a 3‐stage experimental approach, it was attempted to enhance the weathering performance of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites (CFRC). For this purpose, 2 types of UV‐blocking nanoparticles titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and zinc oxide (ZnO) were employed to separately be introduced into the composite matrix. In the first stage, the optimum content of nanoparticles was found to be 0.5 wt.% for both nanoparticles. The second stage of experiments revealed that addition of nanoparticles into CFRC could increase the strength of the composite around 6% to 12% depending on the nanoparticles used. In the third stage (weathering), it was demonstrated that nanoparticles significantly enhanced the weathering stability of CFRC. Finally, it was concluded that while TiO 2 could reinforce the composite more efficiently, ZnO nanoparticles provided a higher level of protection (62% improvement in weathering stability compared with neat composite). The higher protection efficiency of ZnO compared with TiO 2 was explained by its lower photocatalytic activity during weathering.