Title: The simultaneous effect of silica nanoparticles and rubber particles on the toughness of epoxy polymer

Authors: Marjan Shayegan, Reza Bagheri

Addresses: Polymeric Materials Research Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box 11155-9466, Tehran, Iran. ' Polymeric Materials Research Group, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, P.O. Box 11155-9466, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of both rubbery phase and nanosilica on mechanical properties of epoxy. Three series of formulations based on epoxy including nanosilica, rubber and rubber/nanosilica were prepared. Transmission electron microscopy showed that nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed throughout the epoxy matrix. Compression and fracture toughness tests along with scanning electron microscopy and transmission optical microscopy were also done to evaluate the properties of the compounds. Although the results of compression tests indicate that addition of nanosilica could not change elastic modulus and yield strength of neat resin significantly, nanosilica has a considerable effect on fracture toughness of nanocomposites as well as hybrid compounds. Moreover, for the first time, the synergistic effect of nanosilica on rubber-toughened epoxy is explored via studying the toughening mechanisms acting at the crack-tip. The results indicate that debonding of nanosilica aggregates which leads to void formation in the matrix promote matrix shear yielding.

Keywords: epoxy polymers; silica nanoparticles; rubber particles; compressive behaviour; fracture toughness; nanomanufacturing; nanotechnology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2010.033865

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2010 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.232 - 244

Published online: 02 Jul 2010 *

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