The present study deals with the fabrication of epoxy composites reinforced with synthesized nano-zirconia, and to study their properties for high-voltage applications. The epoxy composites were extensively characterized to understand the morphology, mechanical, thermal, and electrical insulating behavior. The surface morphology and molecular structure of the nanoparticle and its interaction with the base matrix ware investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD profiles confirmed that particles were crystalline and nanosized. Moreover, the tensile characteristics were analyzed using various theoretical models that predict the stiffness of these composites. The glass transition temperature of the epoxy/ZrO2 composite increased with the increase in nanofiller content. The AC breakdown voltage reached a maximum of 14.8 kV for 2 wt% ZrO2 composite. The prepared composites have the potential to act as high-performance insulation materials.
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<p>Epoxy composites were prepared by doping nano Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) which were synthesized by solution combustion method into epoxy resin and hardener. Initially ZTA nanopowder was characterized to check its purity, morphology and to confirm its metal-oxide bonding using XRD, SEM and FTIR respectively. The thermal properties such as TGA and DTG were also analysed. The polymer composites were obtained by uniformly dispersing ZTA nanopowder into epoxy using an ultrasonicator. Polymer composites of various concentrations viz, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 wt% were synthesized, all concentrations were prepared on weight basis. All the polymer composites were tested for compression properties, flexural properties and tensile properties. Best results for all the mechanical properties were obtained for epoxy with 1.5 wt% ZTA composites. Electrical properties such as breakdown voltage and breakdown strength were analysed and outstanding results were observed for epoxy with 2.5 wt% ZTA composite.</p>
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