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Correlation of mechanical performance and morphological structures of epoxy micro/nanoparticulate composites

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Authors
Dong, Yu
Chaudhary, Deeptangshu
Ploumis, Charlie
Lau, K.
Date
2011
Type
Journal Article

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Dong, Yu and Chaudhary, Deeptangshu and Ploumis, Charlie and Lau, Kin-Tak. 2011. Correlation of mechanical performance and morphological structures of epoxy micro/nanoparticulate composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. 42 (10): pp. 1483-1492.
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Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
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Department of Mechanical Engineering
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NOTICE: This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 42, 10, 2011 DOI 10.1016/j.compositesa.2011.06.015

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Abstract

Epoxy composites reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles, alumina microparticles and nanoclays at 1, 3, 5 and 8 wt% were fabricated by combined mechanical stirring and ultrasonication processes. The reinforcement efficiency was determined from the composite flexural and impact properties with the correlation to the morphological structure and interfacial bonding effect via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results reveal the moderate enhancement of composite modulus up to a maximum 27% for 8 wt% alumina inclusions; flexural strengths increase quite marginally or even show a decreasing trend with increasing the particle content by weight. The comparison between a series of mathematical models and experimental data of flexural moduli indicates the applicabilities of Paul model for alumina and zinc oxide reinforcements, and Kerner model and Ishai–Cohen model for nanoclays. The appropriate micro/nanoparticle selection due to different shapes and sizes is critical for the better mechanical performance of their composite materials.