Abstract
Epoxy resins are widely used as matrix in fiber-reinforced composites. We investigate how adding nano-alumina affects the mechanical strength of epoxy resins. Size-effect testing is used to determine the fracture toughness of epoxy resin samples with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% weight fraction. For each weight fraction, the measured strengths follow type-II energetic strength scaling law. With increasing weight fraction, the fracture toughness rose monotonically from 1.48 MPam to 2.43 MPam, a 64% increase. The fracture process zone size(FPZ) also increased monotonically from 0.28 mm to 0.93 mm. Larger FPZ at higher weight fractions is associated with more distributed cracking and higher energy dissipation. These results show the toughening effect of the nano-alumina on epoxy resins. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images of failed specimens showed formation of nano-alumina agglomerates at higher weight fractions. However, these agglomerates have no adverse effect on strength for the weight fractions considered.
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