Composite materials, particularly glass-epoxy composites, have gained attention due to their mechanical and optical properties. However, the long-term stability and durability of these materials still pose a challenge. The aim of this research was to enhance the mechanical and optical properties of glass-epoxy composites by modifying the formulations using silica and zinc oxide nanoparticles. In this study, silica and zinc oxide nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in epoxy resin using mechanical stirring and ultrasonic bath techniques. The mechanical properties of these composites were eva‎luated through tensile testing, while their optical properties were assessed according to ASTM standards. Additionally, the morphological analysis of the fractured surfaces of the samples after mechanical testing was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that with an increase in silica nanoparticles, the tensile strength of the glass-epoxy composite decreased, while the modulus of the nanocomposite increased. The nanocomposite containing 5% silica nanoparticles exhibited the highest modulus and the lowest strength compared to other samples. In contrast, the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles at a concentration of 1% by weight improved strength, while at 5% by weight it enhanced the modulus. In the examination of light transmission properties, it was found that the nanocomposite containing 10% by weight of silica nanoparticles and the nanocomposite containing 10% by weight of zinc oxide nanoparticles had the lowest percentage of light transmission. A comparison of the properties of the two types of nanoparticles showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles performed better in improving the mechanical and optical properties of the composites. Furthermore, by investigating the effect of thickness on light transmission, it was observed that with an increase in thickness, light transmission decreased, and in the silica nanoparticle-containing nanocomposite, this decrease occurred more rapidly than in the zinc oxide nanoparticle-containing one. Ultimately, the results demonstrated that silica nanoparticles, due to their good distribution at higher percentages, had better performance in the composites. Overall, this research highlights the positive impact of nanoparticles on the mechanical and optical properties of glass-epoxy composites and confirms the potential for utilizing these nanoparticles to enhance the performance of these materials.

علي زادهوش

حسين ايزدان , كميل نصوري