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Investigation of Internal Cracks in Epoxy-Alumina Using In Situ Mechanical Testing Coupled with Micro-CT

  • Multiscale Experiments and Modeling in Biomaterials and Biological Materials
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Abstract

Polymer-ceramic composites are widely used in biomedical applications. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation on the crack extension inside epoxy-alumina. Specimens with 5 vol.%, 10 vol.%, …, 25 vol.% fillers fractions were fabricated. Three-point bending on single-edge notched bend specimens were performed using conventional mechanical tester and in situ mechanical tester coupled with micro-CT, respectively. Fracture toughness was measured to be 2.10–2.51 \({\text{MPa}}\sqrt {\text{m}} \), and it decreased with increasing filler fraction. When cracks were shorter than 0.88 mm, crack resistance for 5 and 25 vol.% epoxy-alumina was similar. Beyond 0.88 mm, 25 vol.% epoxy-alumina exhibited no crack resistance, whereas stress intensity factor kept increasing in 5 vol.% epoxy-alumina. The matrix-particle interfaces were the weakest link, where cracks often initiated from. Crack bridging by uncracked ligament and crack deflection were commonly observed toughening mechanisms. To design robust epoxy-alumina composites, increasing matrix-particle interface strength is recommended for future work.

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Acknowledgements

This research is supported by the National Science Foundation (#1826221). The authors are grateful to the program manager, Dr. Siddiq Qidwai, for his encouragement and support. Appreciation is extended to Dr. Timothy Stecko of Penn State Center for Quantitative Imaging for technical assistance with micro-CT scanning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Yichun Tang, Kangning Su, Ruyi Man & Jing Du

  2. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Michael C. Hillman

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  1. Yichun Tang
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  2. Kangning Su
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  4. Michael C. Hillman
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Correspondence to Jing Du.

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Tang, Y., Su, K., Man, R. et al. Investigation of Internal Cracks in Epoxy-Alumina Using In Situ Mechanical Testing Coupled with Micro-CT. JOM 73, 2452–2459 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-021-04714-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-021-04714-x

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