EPOXY/TITANATE MODIFIED NANOSILICA COMPOSITES: MORPHOLOGY, MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND FRACTURE TOUGHNESS

In this paper, the effect of modified nanosilica as a reinforcement agent on the performance of epoxy resin using tetrabutyl titanate (TBuT) hardener were investigated. Morphology of the epoxy/modified silica composites was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) method. Impact strength and flexural strength of the composites were measured by Charpy impact test and three-point bending test mode methods, respectively. Fracture toughness and fracture energy were calculated according to pre-cracked, single edge notched method with specimens in three-point bending geometry and suitable equations. The mechanical properties and fracture toughness of composites were significantly enhanced with loading nanosilica content to 5 wt.%.