Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Epoxy/Silica Nanocomposites

Abstract

Composite materials consisting of organic polymer and inorganic nanoparticles are expected to present superior thermal and mechanical properties i.e. high modulus and strength and good performance at elevated temperatures [1, 2]. Research on the mechanical properties of stiff particulate-filled polymeric materials show that their mechanical behavior is a result of a complex combination of the properties of the constituent phases [3]. The principal relevant parameters are the properties of the matrix (resin system), the particle size and shape, and particle content [4, 5]. Particles of micron level dimensions produce an increase in toughness; however, they also increase the viscosity of the epoxy resin thus reducing the ease of processing. Addition of nanoparticles in epoxy resins has been shown to further increase the toughness of the nanocomposite without significantly increasing the viscosity of the epoxy matrix [6–9]. Another important parameter that can significantly alter the properties of the nanocomposites is the filler aspect ratio. Because of their high surface area to volume ratio, nanofillers have been found to have a high reinforcing efficiency even at very low concentrations [10].