Effect of Particle Size on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Epoxy/Spherical Silica Composites

Abstract

The effects of particle size on the mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy/spherical silica composites were studied. The silica particle sizes were varied from 5 to 30 μm and the filler content was fixed to 60 wt%. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out and the interfacial morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrical insulation breakdown strength was estimated using sphere-sphere electrodes with different insulation thicknesses of 1, 2 and 3 mm. The tensile strength and flexural strength increased with decreasing particle size, while electrical insulation breakdown strength increased with increasing particle size.

Characterisation of Micro-Sized and Nano-Sized Tungsten Oxide-Epoxy Composites for Radiation Shielding of Diagnostic X-Rays

“…The flexural strength was found to decrease with increased WO 3 filler size while it had little or no effect on flexural modulus. Similar results were reported by Park [21] who observed an increase in flexural strength with decreased particle size in silica-reinforced epoxy composites. However, Moloney et al [22] reported a negligible effect of particle size on flexural modulus in their epoxy composites filled with silica.…”