Influence of Nano-Inorganic Particles on Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites

Abstract

Solution polymerization of Bisphenol-A and Epichlorohydrine gives epoxy resin. Spray pyrolysis technique was found to be promising method for synthesis of nanomaterials like CaCO₃ of different sizes (10, 15, and 18 nm). The nanomaterial (2 to 10 mass % loading) was added at the time of resin formation. Mechanical stirring as well as an ultrasonication technique were used for uniform distribution of nanomaterials inside the resin. The effect of nanomaterials on thermal behaviors like curing time and glass transition temperature (Tg) were studied. Addition of nanomaterials accelerates the rate of curing of epoxy resin during composite formation. Moreover, addition of nanomaterial doesn't show any consequent change in Tg of epoxy composite but cross-linking density changes linearly. The rheological parameters like viscosity and torque were recorded on a Brookfield viscometer and correlated with M = CS^α and τ = κ(γ)ⁿ.

Keywords:

• Epoxy resin
• Glass transition temperature (Tg)
• Rheological properties

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Authors are thankful to Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi for providing financial assistance to carry out this research work under ‘FAST TRACK Young Scientist’ Vide Letter No. SR/FTP/ETA-58/2008.