Journal Published Online: 10 April 2015
Volume 44, Issue 4

Thermoset Polymer Reinforced With Silica Micro and Nanoparticles

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) have been used to replace conventional materials in a wide range of applications in transportation and civil engineering. The dispersion of nanoparticles and microparticles into epoxy matrix phase has been widely investigated to enhance the mechanical properties of hybrid FRCs. The nanoparticles generate large attractive forces among themselves, providing a significant tendency to agglomerate. A chemical treatment based on diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) was evaluated to disperse the silica nanoparticles within the epoxy polymer. A microstructural analysis was conducted to better assess the results. Experimental analysis was carried out based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tuckey test in order to verify the effect of PDDA treatment, silica particle size (micro and nano), and silica particle inclusion (1, 2, and 3.5 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of epoxy polymer commonly used as matrix phase in FRCs. The PDDA treatment was able to disperse the silica nanoparticles. The incorporation of 1 wt. % of silica micro or 1 and 2 wt. % of nanoparticles slightly improved the tensile strength and modulus of the epoxy polymer.

Author Information

Cesar dos Santos, Júlio
Centre for Innovation and Technology of Composites, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Univ. of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, BR
Hallak Panzera, Túlio
Centre for Innovation and Technology of Composites, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Univ. of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, BR
Luiz Christoforo, André
Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Univ. of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luís, BR
de Oliveira Vieira, Kayo
Department of Natural Sciences, Federal Univ. of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, BR
Antonio Schiavon, Marco
Department of Natural Sciences, Federal Univ. of São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, BR
Antonio Rocco Lahr, Francisco
Department of Structural Engineering, School of Engineering of São Carlos, Univ. of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São-carlense, São Paulo, BR
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JTE20130331
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20130331