Copper Nanoparticles Filled Epoxy Nanocomposites and their Mechanical Properties

By : Ashok Kumar, R. K. Tiwari, Dibyendu S. Bag, D. N. Tripathi, N. Eswara Prasad

Page No: 419-429

Abstract
Nanocomposites were prepared using copper nanoparticles as filler material and epoxy as matrix by casting process. The effect of copper nanoparticles on mechanical and wear properties of the nanocomposites were investigated in details. Copper nanofillers contributed significantly to improve the anti-wear property of the nanocomposites. The specific wear rate of epoxy was reduced by 80% due to incorporation of 1.5 wt% of filler into the matrix resin. However, it marginally increased for further incorporation of copper nanoparticles from 1.5 wt% up to 2.5 wt%. This reduction of wear rate in first case is obvious due to uniform dispersion of copper nanoparticles in the matrix, whereas increase of wear rate in the second case may be the agglomeration of nanoparticles in the matrix at higher filler loading. The maximum flexural strength of 117.78 MPa and flexural modulus of 3.67 GPa were achieved in nanocomposites having 1.5 wt% copper nanoparticles, whereas such values are 106.89 MPa and 2.59 GPa respectively for neat epoxy (without nanoparticles). The wear and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were correlated with SEM analysis of worn surfaces and fractured surfaces. Thermal properties of nanocomposites were also evaluated by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).

Authors :
Ashok Kumar, Dibyendu S. Bag, R. K. Tiwari, D. N. Tripathi And N. Eswara Prasad : Polymer Matrix Composites Division Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment DMSRDE P.O., G.T. Road, Kanpur-208013