D. Zhang
North Dakota State University,
United States
Keywords: nanoparticle reinforcement, geometric shape, post curing, epoxy coatings, microstrucuture, mechanical properties
Summary:
Incorporating carbon-based nanoparticles and optimizing curing conditions are commonly recognized as two effective approaches of pursuing enhanced properties of epoxy nanocomposites. This study specifically explores the synergistic effects of geometric shape and post curing on carbon-based nanoparticle reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. Nanodiamonds (NDs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphenes (GNPs) with spherical, cylindrical, and planar geometric shapes were integrated in the epoxy matrix as 0-D, 1-D, and 2-D nanofillers, respectively. Epoxy nanocomposites with and without post curing were synthesized for each nanofiller and evaluated based on dispersion quality, viscosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Experimental results indicated that ND reinforced epoxy nanocomposites exhibit a more homogeneous nanoparticle dispersion, lower viscosity, reduced porosity, stronger adhesion properties, while CNT and GNP reinforced epoxy nanocomposites achieved higher tensile and shear strengths. In addition, post curing has proved to be effective in reducing porosity and improving mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites, but its effect became less pronounced with the addition of nanoparticles.