The influence of silicate-based nano-filler on the fracture toughness of epoxy resin

• Published in: Engineering fracture mechanics Vol. 73; no. 16; pp. 2336 - 2345
• Main Authors: Brunner, A.J., Necola, A., Rees, M., Gasser, Ph, Kornmann, X., Thomann, R., Barbezat, M.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Tarrytown, NY Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2006; Oxford Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Combustion. Flame; Composites; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fracture mechanics (crack, fatigue, damage...); Fracture toughness; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); General theory; Miscellaneous; Nano-composite epoxy; Physics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Silicate-based nano-scale filler; Solid mechanics; Standard test procedure; Structural and continuum mechanics; Technology of polymers; Theoretical studies. Data and constants. Metering; Silicate-based nano-scale filler; Standard test procedure; Nano-composite epoxy; Fracture toughness; Energy release; Stratified material; Fiber reinforced material; Epoxy resin; Mechanical properties; Test standard; Silicates; Composite material; Nanometer scale; Standard test; Delamination; Filler; Matrix materials; Flame
• ISSN: 0013-7944; 1873-7315
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engfracmech.2006.05.004

Dispersion of nano-sized, silicate-based filler in epoxy resin is expected to yield improved materials properties in several areas. Various mechanical properties, specifically improved fracture toughness, as well as improved flame-retardant effects are of interest. The final objective of the research is investigating whether a nano-modified epoxy matrix yields improved delamination resistance in a fiber-reinforced laminate compared to a laminate with neat epoxy as matrix material. As a first step towards this goal, the fracture toughness of nano-modified epoxy resin is compared with that of the neat resin. Fracture toughness improvement up to about 50% and energy release rates increased by about 20% are observed for addition of 10 wt.% of organosilicate clay.