Toughness of nanofillers modified epoxy adhensives using WTDCB specimens

• Main Author: Loh, Rowena.
• Other Authors: School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/46126
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In order to improve the mechanical properties of epoxy adhesives, nanoparticles are dispersed into the epoxy to reinforce the adhesive. Nanoparticles are known to be able to improve the strength, toughness and bond of the adhesive due to its small size and large surface area. In this project, the effectiveness of nanoparticles in improving fracture toughness is analyzed using the mode I fracture toughness test. Nanopox ® A410 which contains silica nanoparticles is used and diluted in the resin matrix, Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (Sigma Aldrich) to final concentrations of 1%, 3% and 5% nanoparticles. Diethylenetriamine ReagentPlus, 99% (Sigma Aldrich) is used as the hardener. An improvement in the fracture toughness and adhesive bond as the concentration of nanoparticles increases in the epoxy adhesive can be observed in this report.