In this study, the effect of temperature effect of the rubber matrix filled with nano sized silica particles composites with silica volume fraction of 19–25% was investigated by the Charpy impact test. The Charpy impact test was conducted in the temperature range from –40°C to 0°C. The critical energy release rate GIC of the rubber matrix composites filled with nano sized silica particles was considerably affected by temperature and it was shown that the maximum value was appeared at higher temperature between temperature tested and it was shown that the value of GIC increases as temperature tested increases. The major fracture mechanisms were matrix deformation, silica particle debonding and delamination, microcrack between particles and matrix, and/or pull out between particles and matrix which is ascertained by SEM photographs of Charpy impact surfaces fracture.

• 김형진(경상대학교 기계시스템공학과) | Hyung–Jin KIM (Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Gyeongsang National University 650–160, Tongyeong, Korea)
• 이정규(부경대학교 대학원 제어기계공학과) | Jung–Kyu LEE (Department of Control and Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Pukyong National University 608–739, Busan, Korea)
• 고성위(부경대학교 기계시스템공학과) | Sung Wi KOH (Department of Mechanical System Engineering, Pukyong National University 608–739, Busan, Korea) Corresponding author