Abstract
In this work layered functionally graded polymer nanocomposite was prepared by distribution of alumina nanoparticles (diameter in between 27 – 43 nm) in the epoxy matrix through ultrasonication. Variation in weight fraction of alumina nanoparticles is given in the thickness direction to attain the gradation. Layers of 1 mm thickness of neat epoxy, 0.25 wt.%, 0.5 wt.%, 0.75 wt.% and 1 wt.% of epoxy-alumina nanocomposites were sequentially casted in a vertical acrylic moulds to synthesize the graded composite sheet of 5 mm thickness. Tensile properties of nanocomposites for each weight fraction were determined following ASTM standard D 638-03, while the flexural properties were determined for the functionally graded polymer nanocomposite (FGPNC) by conducting three point bending test loaded from neat and 1 wt.% side. Highest increment in the tensile properties was recorded for nanocomposites at 1 wt.% of nanoparticles. An improvement of 5% in tensile strength and 14% in Young's modulus was achieved over that of neat epoxy for nanocomposites with1 wt.% of nanoparticles. In case of FGPNC, flexural strength and flexural modulus improved by 10% and 23% respectively over that of neat epoxy samples when loaded from neat epoxy side. On the other hand, when samples were loaded from 1 wt.% side, flexural strength and modulus of FGPNC showed an improvement of 6% and 17% respectively in comparison to that of layered sample of neat epoxy.
Published Version
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