Thermoset Polymer Reinforced With Silica Micro and Nanoparticles

Abstract

Abstract Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) have been used to replace conventional materials in a wide range of applications in transportation and civil engineering. The dispersion of nanoparticles and microparticles into epoxy matrix phase has been widely investigated to enhance the mechanical properties of hybrid FRCs. The nanoparticles generate large attractive forces among themselves, providing a significant tendency to agglomerate. A chemical treatment based on diallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) was evaluated to disperse the silica nanoparticles within the epoxy polymer. A microstructural analysis was conducted to better assess the results. Experimental analysis was carried out based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tuckey test in order to verify the effect of PDDA treatment, silica particle size (micro and nano), and silica particle inclusion (1, 2, and 3.5 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of epoxy polymer commonly used as matrix phase in FRCs. The PDDA treatment was able to disperse the silica nanoparticles. The incorporation of 1 wt. % of silica micro or 1 and 2 wt. % of nanoparticles slightly improved the tensile strength and modulus of the epoxy polymer.