The Influence of Micro- and Nano-Filler Content on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites

Abstract

In this study, the influence of micro-and nano-filler content on the mechanical properties of epoxy composites was studied. The matrix material is epoxy; the micro-fillers are Al2O3, TiO2 and fly ash added in 10 wt% to 30 wt% by weight ratio; the nano-fillers are Al2O3, TiO2 and clay added in 2.5 wt% to 10 wt% by weight ratio. Test samples were prepared using an open mould type die. Tensile, three-point bending and hardness tests were carried out. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and the hardness of the composite materials were obtained and evaluated. The results show that the tensile strength, flexural strength and elongation at the break values of composites decreased while the tensile modulus and flexural modulus increased with the increasing micro-and nano-filler content ratio.