Impact and wear resistance of polymer nanocomposites at low filler content

Abstract

It is well known that inorganic filler particles enhance the mechanical and tribological properties of polymers. The stiffness, toughness, and wear performance of the composites are extensively determined by the size, shape, volume content, and especially the dispersion homogeneity of the particles. In the present study, various amounts of micro‐ and nano‐scale particles (titanium dioxide TiO2, 200–400 nm, calcium silicate CaSiO3, 4–15 μm) were introduced into an epoxy polymer matrix for its reinforcement. The influence of these particles on the impact strength, dynamic mechanical thermal properties, and block‐on‐ring wear behavior was investigated. Using only the nano‐particles, the results demonstrate the best improvement in stiffness, impact strength, and wear resistance of the epoxy at a nano‐particle content of 4 vol% TiO2. Therefore, this nanocomposite was used to act as a matrix for the CaSiO3 micro‐particles, in the hope of finding synergistic effects between the micro‐ and the nano‐particles. Results show, in fact, a further improvement of wear resistance and stiffness, whereas the impact strength suffers. Geometrical properties of the particles, the homogeneous dispersion state, energy dissipating fracture mechanisms, and a transition of wear mechanisms mostly contribute to the increase in performance.

The effect of particle size on the rheological properties of polyamide 6/biochar composites

“…The particle size effect on the impact strength of composite is also expected to be severe as a decrease in particle size and/or particle aspect ratio will lead to an improvement energy dissipation and a change on the crack path if the particle distribution is homogenous [5,8,[11][12][13]. …”

Mechanical Property Characterization of a Polymeric Nanocomposite Reinforced by Graphitic Nanofibers with Reactive Linkers

“…However, mechanical properties of the final nanocomposite materials can be easily measured using various kinds of standard tests for engineering materials. To achieve maximum utilization of the properties of nanofibers, uniform dispersion and good wetting of the nanofibers within the matrix must be ensured [15][16][17]. It has been extensively reported that dry nanofibers often agglomerate, and thereby greatly reduce their ability to bond with the matrix.…”

Effect of Nano Silica on the Mechanical Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Composite

“…Another major problem is that silica-to-silica interaction is high, resulting in the formation of large aggregates ultimately impeding the compound flow character [12]. In dispersive mixing the main goal is to breakdown agglomerates and aggregates of the original filler in to small particles to achieve the highest reinforcing effect [7,13].The profound effects of' vulcanization, it transforms an elastomer from a weak thermoplastic mass without useful mechanical properties into a strong, elastic, tough rubber [14]. Rubber nanocomposites have applications include a large number of latex and dry rubber goods.…”