Type Epoxy Research Articles

A multifunctional partially bio-based epoxy resin by renewable chitosan as reaction raw material: Shape memory effect, bonding property, excellent degradability, and toughening performance

To expand the variety of partially bio-based epoxy resins with superior performance and improve the efficiency of utilizing renewable raw materials, a chitosan-based bisphenol A epoxy resin (CBE) was successfully synthesized. With PA651 as the curing agent, the strain energy CBE/PA651 reached 15.11 MJ m−3, which was higher than those of many typical ductile epoxy resins in comparative literature. The shape fixity and shape recovery rate of CBE/PA651 were 94.72 % and 98.74 %, respectively, demonstrating excellent shape memory effects. When CBE was used as wood adhesives, it exhibited a relatively high bonding strength and excellent water resistance, and the dry and boiling bond strength can exceed 4.08 MPa and 1.91 MPa, respectively. Simultaneously, CBE/PA651 can be completely degraded within 8 h at 90 °C, exhibiting excellent degradability. In addition, CBE was employed as a toughening agent for DGEBA/DDM. It was found that when the CBE content was 20 wt%, the elongation at break, the impact strength, and KIC of CBE/DGEBA/DDM reached their peak values of 8.55 %, 17.62 kJ m−2 and 1.75 MPa m1/2 respectively, representing a significant increase of 101.65 %, 43.6 %, and 78.57 % compared to DGEBA/DDM. The toughening mechanism was revealed by SEM and crosslinking simulation networks.

Investigation of Adsorption and Young’s Modulus of Epoxy Resin–Sand Interfaces Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Epoxy resins exhibit outstanding curability, durability, and environmental compatibility, rendering them extensively utilized in the realm of engineering curing. Nevertheless, the current curing mechanism of epoxy-based resins in cohesion with sand remains inadequately elucidated, significantly impeding their applicability within the domain of soil curing. This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption behavior of three distinct types of epoxy resins on the sand surface: diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (DGEBA), diglycidyl ether 4,4′-dihydroxy diphenyl sulfone (DGEDDS), and aliphatic epoxidation of olefin resin (AEOR). The objective was to gain insights into the interactions between the sand surface and the epoxy resin polymers. The results demonstrated that DGEDDS formed a higher number of hydrogen bonds on the sand surface, leading to stronger intermolecular interactions compared to the other two resins. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the adsorbed models of the three epoxy resins with sand were found to be relatively similar. This similarity can be attributed to their comparable chemical structures. Finally, analysis of the radius of gyration for the adsorbed epoxy resins revealed that AEOR exhibited a rigid structure due to strong molecular interactions, while DGEDDS displayed a flexible structure owing to weaker interactions.

Analysis of Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivity of Thin-Ply Laminates in Ambient and Cryogenic Conditions.

It is widely known that glass-epoxy laminates are renowned for their high stiffness, good thermal properties, and economic qualities. For this reason, composite materials find successful applications in various industrial sectors such as aerospace, astronautics, the storage sector, and energy. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of composite materials comprising two different types of epoxy resin and three different hardeners, both at room temperature and under cryogenic conditions. The samples were produced at IZOERG (Gliwice, Poland) using a laboratory hot-hydraulic-press technique. During cyclic loading-unloading tests, degradation up to a strain level of 0.6% was observed both at room temperature (RT) and at 77 K. For a glass-reinforced composite with YDPN resin (EP_1_1), the highest degradation was recorded at 18.84% at RT and 33.63% at 77 K. We have also investigated the temperature dependence of thermal conductivity for all samples in a wide temperature range down to 5 K. The thermal conductivity was found to be low and had a relative difference of up to 20% among the composites. The experimental results indicated that composites under cryogenic conditions exhibited less damage and were stiffer. It was confirmed that the choice of hardener significantly influenced both properties.

Fracture toughness in SPCC/CFRP hybrid laminates: Mode I and mode II perspectives

Hybrid composites using adhesive joints are gaining popularity in various industries as their various material combinations can create certain advantages. This research focuses on examining the mode I and mode II fracture toughness characteristics of the combined laminate between Steel Plate Cold Rolled Commercial (SPCC) metal and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composite processed using adhesive bonding. SPCC/CFRP hybrid laminate composites were manufactured with a variety of manufacturing options (A, B, and C) to find the most optimal method using two types of epoxy and cyanoacrylate adhesives, with two different bonding processes: secondary bonding and co-bonding. Fracture toughness values were measured through the Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) test for mode I and the End Notched Flexure (ENF) test for mode II. The test results showed that epoxy adhesives in the SPCC/CFRP adhesive joints provided better fracture toughness performance, especially when combined with the co-bonding technique. Specimens from manufacturing option C showed the highest GIC and GIIC values of 83.05 and 254.94 J/m2, respectively. These values increased by 58.98 % and 80.48 % compared to manufacturing options A and B in Mode I. Additionally, the GIIC value for manufacturing option C increased by 78.00 % and 66.76 % compared to manufacturing options A and B. The SPCC/CFRP hybrid laminates showed adhesive failure on the SPCC surface when using epoxy adhesive, whereas adhesive failure occurred on the CFRP surface with cyanoacrylate adhesive for the different manufacturing options.

Recent Development of Functional Bio-Based Epoxy Resins.

The development of epoxy resins is mainly dependent on non-renewable petroleum resources, commonly diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA)-type epoxy monomers. Most raw materials of these thermoset resins are toxic to the health of human beings. To alleviate concerns about the environment and health, the design and synthesis of bio-based epoxy resins using biomass as raw materials have been widely studied in recent decades to replace petroleum-based epoxy resins. With the improvement in the requirements for the performance of bio-based epoxy resins, the design of bio-based epoxy resins with unique functions has attracted a lot of attention, and bio-based epoxy resins with flame-retardant, recyclable/degradable/reprocessable, antibacterial, and other functional bio-based epoxy resins have been developed to expand the applications of epoxy resins and improve their competitiveness. This review summarizes the research progress of functional bio-based epoxy resins in recent years. First, bio-based epoxy resins were classified according to their unique function, and synthesis strategies of functional bio-based epoxy resins were discussed, then the relationship between structure and performance was revealed to guide the synthesis of functional bio-based epoxy resins and stimulate the development of more types of functional bio-based epoxy resins. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in the development of functional bio-based epoxy resins are presented.

Development of a Superhydrophobic Protection Mechanism and Coating Materials for Cement Concrete Surfaces.

In order to further enhance the erosion resistance of cement concrete pavement materials, this study constructed an apparent rough hydrophobic structure layer by spraying a micro-nano substrate coating on the surface layer of the cement concrete pavement. This was followed by a secondary spray of a hydroxy-silicone oil-modified epoxy resin and a low surface energy-modified substance paste, which combine to form a superhydrophobic coating. The hydrophobic mechanism of the coating was then analysed. Firstly, the effects of different types and ratios of micro-nano substrates on the apparent morphology and hydrophobic performance of the rough structure layer were explored through contact angle testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and permeation gel chromatography were employed to ascertain the optimal modification ratio, temperature, and reaction mechanism of hydroxy-silicone oil with E51 type epoxy resin. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the modified epoxy resin-low surface energy-modified substance paste were evaluated through tensile tests. Finally, the erosion resistance of the superhydrophobic coating was tested under a range of conditions, including acidic, alkaline, de-icer, UV ageing, freeze-thaw cycles and wet wheel wear. The results demonstrate that relying solely on the rough structure of the concrete surface makes it challenging to achieve superhydrophobic performance. A rough structure layer constructed with diamond micropowder and hydrophobic nano-silica is less prone to cracking and can form more "air chamber" structures on the surface, with better wear resistance and hydrophobic performance. The ring-opening reaction products that occur during the preparation of modified epoxy resin will severely affect its mechanical strength after curing. Controlling the reaction temperature and reactant ratio can effectively push the modification reaction of epoxy resin through dehydration condensation, which produces more grafted polymer. It is noteworthy that the grafted polymer content is positively correlated with the hydrophobicity of the modified epoxy resin. The superhydrophobic coating exhibited enhanced erosion resistance (based on hydrochloric acid), UV ageing resistance, abrasion resistance, and freeze-thaw damage resistance to de-icers by 19.41%, 18.36%, 43.17% and 87.47%, respectively, in comparison to the conventional silane-based surface treatment.

Sustainably sourced and DOPO-derived triols as hardeners for epoxy thermosets: A promising solution to synchronously improve flame retardancy, mechanical strength and toughness

The flammability and brittleness of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)-type epoxy resin greatly restrict its application in electronic appliances and structural materials. However, the synchronous improvement in the flame retardancy, mechanical strength, and toughness of DGEBA-type epoxy thermosets remains a significant challenge. To overcome this challenge, in this study, a sustainably sourced and DOPO-derived triol (DOPO-GL-DCDA) was synthesized from a bio-based material, glycerol 1, 3-diglycerolate diacrylate (GL-DCDA). A series of epoxy thermosets with different phosphorus contents were prepared by introducing DOPO-GL-DCDA into the DGEBA matrix. EP/DOPO-GL-DCDA demonstrated excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties without compromising transparency. Specifically, EP/DOPO-GL-DCDA-1.0P exhibited a limit oxygen index (LOI) of 34.0 % and a UL-94 V-0 rating, and the total heat release (THR) and peak heat release rate (PHRR) of EP/DOPO-GL-DCDA-1.5P decreased by 36.6 % and 46.8 %, respectively, compared with those of pure EP. In addition, compared with those of pure EP, the tensile strength, impact strength, fracture toughness (KIC), and fracture energy (GIC) of EP/DOPO-GL-DCDA-1.5P increased by 62.8 %, 69.9 %, 62.9 %, and 99.0 %, respectively. Moreover, EP/DOPO-GL-DCDA had better dielectric properties than pure EP. Under the premise of maintaining transparency, this work provided a promising solution to synchronously improve the flame retardancy, mechanical strength, and toughness of epoxy thermosets.

Study on the cracking process of epoxy resin under oxygen and water atmosphere based on ReaxFF force field

Amino-cured epoxy resins are widely used in the electrical and electronic industry for their excellent properties. To investigate the mechanism of the effect of O2 and H2O on the pyrolysis behavior of epoxy resin, in this paper, the cross-linked structure of bisphenol A type epoxy resin cured by adducts of diethylenetriamine and butyl glycidyl ether is modeled based on the ReaxFF force field, and the thermal decomposition processes at different temperatures and gas atmospheres were simulated and the pathways of the small molecule products were clarified. The results show that epoxy resin will produce small molecule gas products, such as H2, CO, H2O, OH, CH2O, and free radicals, in the process of pyrolysis; the presence of amino groups also generates nitrogen-containing radicals, such as CN, CH2N, and C2H4N; as the reaction temperature increases, the rate of pyrolysis reaction will be accelerated. The same temperature in oxygen and water atmospheres can accelerate the breakage of epoxy resin main chain by promoting the breakage of carbon and oxygen bonds and, at the same time, promote the generation of small molecule gases, such as H2 and CO.

QM-CSA: A Novel Quantum Mechanics-Based Protocol for Evaluation of the Carcinogen-Scavenging Activity of Polyphenolic Compounds.

In this study, a novel quantum mechanics-based protocol for the evaluation of carcinogen-scavenging activity (QM-CSA) is developed. The QM-CSA protocol represents a universal and quantitative approach to evaluate and compare the activation-free energies for alkylation reactions between individual polyphenolic compounds and chemical carcinogens of the epoxy type at physiological conditions by applying two scales: the absolute scale allowing for the comparison with guanine and the relative scale allowing the comparison with glutathione as a reference compound. The devised quantum mechanical methodology was validated by comparing the activation-free energies calculated with 14 DFT functionals in conjunction with two implicit solvation models (SMD and CPCM) and the experimental activation-free energies for reactions between nine investigated chemical carcinogens and guanine. According to the obtained results, the best agreement with experimental data was achieved by applying DFT functionals M11-L and MN12-L in conjunction with the flexible 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and implicit solvation model SMD, and the obtained uncertainties were proven to be similar to the experimental ones. To demonstrate the applicability of the QM-CSA protocol, functionals M11-L, and MN12-L in conjunction with the SMD implicit solvation model were applied to calculate activation-free energies for the reactions of nine investigated chemical carcinogens of the epoxy type with three catechins, namely EGCG, EGC, and (+)-catechin. The order of CSA in this series of catechins in comparison to guanine and glutathione was determined as (+)-catechin > EGC > EGCG. The obtained results, for the first time, demonstrated the evaluation and comparison of CSA in a series of selected catechins with respect to glutathione and guanine. Moreover, the presented results provide valuable insights into the reaction mechanisms and configurations of the corresponding transition states. The novel QM-CSA protocol is also expected to expand the kinetic data for alkylation reactions between various polyphenolic compounds and chemical carcinogens of the epoxy type, which is currently lacking in the scientific literature.

Nanocomposites based on MWCNT and nanoclay: Effect of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil on curing and composite properties

UV and thermal-curing hybrid epoxy adhesives are generally developed with a combination of epoxy acrylates and thermal-curing epoxy resin. This study modified bisphenol-A type epoxy resin (ER) with acrylated epoxidized industrial crop soybean oil (AESO) to obtain a dual-curable epoxy system. Hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTOH) and montmorillonite-type nanoclay (NC) first was used as nano reinforcement in this system. Both thermal and UV-curing were applied to composites. Tensile and hardness tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and four-point probe electrical conductivity measurements were used for the nanocomposite characterization. Although (UV+thermal) curing increased the thermal strength of the nanocomposites, it caused a decrease in their electrical conductivity and moisture absorption. The highest tensile strength values were obtained as 107 MPa and 97 MPa for thermally cured 1.5 wt% MWCNTOH and 2 wt% NC composites, respectively. The effect of the AESO ratio on UV curing of nanocomposites was investigated and 10 % was found to be the most suitable. MWCNTOH composites also exhibited the highest electrical conductivity with a percolation threshold of 1.5 wt%. The effect of hydrothermal aging on thermal and electrical conductivity properties showed that only T5 and T10 values of thermally or (UV+thermally) cured MWCNTOH and NC composites decreased, T50 values did not change significantly.

Recent progress in degradation and recycling of epoxy resin

Epoxy resin is widely used in electrical equipment and electronic devices fields due to its excellent electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, its internal three-dimensional covalent interconnection structure brings barriers to its degradability and recycling because covalent bonds cannot be broken easily. With the replacements of power equipment and electronic devices, there will be more and more epoxy resins and their composites in them to be treated and effective recycling is of great significance for resource conservation and environmental protection. In this review article, recent progress in degradation and recycling of epoxy resin is introduced and the effect of three traditional degradation methods is discussed. The drawbacks of these methods are thought to come from the intrinsic properties of these epoxy resins. So the urgency of developing new kinds of degradable epoxy resins is proposed. Then different types of new degradable epoxy resins are reviewed. Degradation mechanisms of the opened-loop recycling and recycling methods of the closed-loop recycling are summarized in detail. Finally, the challenges and perspectives are discussed based on their current developments. This review comprehensively considers both traditional degradation methods and new methods for developing degradable epoxy resins. It covers not only an overview of the state-of-the-art advances of degradation and recycling of epoxy resin but also the prospects that provide reference for the synthesis of degradable epoxy resin materials.

Modification of bisphenol a type epoxy resin by biobased magnolol epoxy

Modification of bisphenol a type epoxy resin by biobased magnolol epoxy

Novel phosphorous-containing epoxy thermosets with improved anti-flammability, smoke suppression, and dielectric properties

As one of the most commonly used thermosetting resins, the flammability of epoxy resins (EPs) has become a key factor limiting the expansion of their application range. Herein, a novel phosphorous-containing epoxy monomer (EDPPO) was synthesized using diallyl amine and diphenyl phosphoryl chloride as the starting materials. Subsequently, EDPPO was thermally cured with two diamine hardeners, 4, 4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and 4,4′-dithiodianiline (DTDA). Additionally, commercial diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)-type epoxy pre-polymers were cured with DDS and DTDA as comparative samples. The cured EDPPO-based thermosets showed excellent flame-retardant properties coupled with smoke suppression. Specifically, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) for the EDPPO/DDS (P content 6.4 wt.%) reached 32.0 %, and the UL-94 vertical burning test reached a V-0 rating. In addition, the PHRR, THR, and TSP values of EDPPO/DDS were 61.6 %, 49.1 %, and 58.5 % lower than those of DGEBA/DDS, respectively. The flame retardant mechanism analysis indicated that the excellent flame retardancy for cured EDPPO-based thermosets was attributed to the combined modes of action in condensed (promoting the charring capacity) and gaseous phases (quenching the active radicals). More importantly, EDPPO/DDS and EDPPO/DTDA exhibited lower dielectric constant and dielectric loss than DGEBA/DDS and DGEBA/DTDA. This work provided novel phosphorous-containing epoxy thermosets with improved anti-flammability, smoke suppression, and dielectric properties.

Thermal Treatment Effects on Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polybutylene Terephthalate and Epoxy Resin Composites Reinforced with Glass Fiber.

In this study, two types of composites, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and epoxy resin (ER), reinforced with 20% of glass fiber (GF) are used as the comparative research objects. Their mechanical properties after thermal aging at 85~145 °C are evaluated by tensile strength and fracture morphology analysis. The results show that the composites have similar aging laws. The tensile strength of GF/PBT and GF/ER decrease gradually with the increase of aging temperature, while their elastic moduli are independent of the thermal treatment temperature. Scanning electron microscopy study of the fracture surface shows that separation of glass fiber from PBT and ER matrix becomes more obvious at higher aging temperature. The fibers on the matrix surface appear clear and smooth, and the whole pulled out GFs can be observed. As a main mechanical strength degradation mechanism, the deterioration of interface adhesion between the matrix and GF is discussed. A large difference in coefficients of thermal expansion of the matrix and GF is a main factor of the mechanical degradation.

Microleakage Assessment of Single Cone Gutta Percha Obturation Technique Using Different Types of Sealers

This study was carried out to compare the coronal and apical seal of canals obturated with single cone technique using different types of epoxy resin root canal sealers. A total of sixty extracted human upper molars with fully formed and sound palatal roots were used in this study. The crown of each tooth was decoronated at cement-enamel junction and the palatal root canal was prepared using ProTaper gold rotary instruments. Sixty specimens were used and divided into 3 equal groups(n=20) for single cone obturation using two different types of epoxy resin sealers AH26 and vioseal sealers respectively and one control group without sealer. All the specimens were exposed varnish application followed by dye penetration test using 2% methylene blue dye then root sectioning. Samples were evaluated under a stereomicroscope to detect the linear measurement of the dye penetration from the apical constriction. The image transferred to a computer equipped with the image analysis software program where the dye penetration along the filling dentine interface was evaluated. The collected data was statistically analysis by using Graph Pad Instat software for windows. One-way ANOVA was done for compared results followed by Tukey’s pair-wise. The results showed that, the difference in dye penetration microleakage means between groups was statistically significant as revealed by one-way ANOVA test (p < 0.05). Pair-wise Tukey’s post-hoc test showed non-significant (p>0.05) difference between (AH26 and Vioseal sealers) groups. None of the tested root canal sealers could eliminate the dye infiltration or microleakage formation. Single cone gutta-percha combined with AH26 sealer exhibited less microleakage than vioseal sealer although there were no statically significant differences between them.

Simulation analysis of cryogenic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin composite

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix composites instead of metals to manufacture cryogenic propellant tanks for spacecrafts is a development trend in the world aerospace industry. Cryogenic mechanical properties of the composites should be investigated in detail due to that the ultra-low temperature environment may cause micro cracks in the composites, leading to propellant leakage. In the present study, cryogenic tensile properties of a carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin aomposite are investigated using experimental and numerical simulation methods. A silicon-containing epoxy resin with excellent cryogenic mechanical properties is developed by introducing a synthesized organic silicon polymer epoxidized polysiloxane and Nano-SiO2 into bisphenol F type epoxy resin. The tensile strength and modulus of the silicon-containing epoxy resin at −180 °C are 202.63 MPa and 7.81 GPa, which are 16.71% and 3.03% higher than those of bisphenol F type epoxy resin. The tensile strength of the silicon-containing epoxy resin at −180 °C is increased by 107.7% compared to that at room temperature, and the modulus at −180 °C is nearly twice that at room temperature. The carbon fiber reinforced silicon-containing epoxy resin composite is prepared by vacuum injection molding. The finite element model for the representative volume element of the composite unidirectional plate is established. The random sequence expansion method is used to randomly distribute the carbon fibers and simulate the thermal residual stress, the elastic performance, and the damage of the composite at cryogenic environments. Through comparison, it is found that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The simulation reliability for cryogenic mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composites is verified. It is expected to provide a reference for the analysis and evaluation of cryogenic mechanical properties of composite tanks.

The Impact of ZnO Nanofillers on the Mechanical and Anti-Corrosion Performances of Epoxy Composites.

Epoxy resins were reinforced with different ZnO nanofillers (commercial ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), recycled ZnO and functionalized ZnO NPs) in order to obtain ZnO-epoxy composites with suitable mechanical properties, high adhesion strength, and good resistance to corrosion. The final properties of ZnO-epoxy composites depend on several factors, such as the type and contents of nanofillers, the epoxy resin type, curing agent, and preparation methods. This paper aims to review the preparation methods, mechanical and anti-corrosion performance, and applications of ZnO-epoxy composites. The epoxy-ZnO composites are demonstrated to be valuable materials for a wide range of applications, including the development of anti-corrosion and UV-protective coatings, for adhesives and the chemical industry, or for use in building materials or electronics.

Backface strain as an index to detect damage initiation in composite single-lap bonded joints: Effects of adhesive type and joint dimensions

In this study, the backface strain (BFS) method applied by digital image correlation (DIC) is used to detect crack initiation and propagation in adhesively bonded single-lap joints (SLJ). By comparing the positive strain, due to the tensile load, and negative strain related to the bending moment, a point, called zero strain point (ZSP), can be detected on the substrate surface of the SLJ. Using the Bigwood and Crocombe analytical model, the presence of the ZSP on the backface is explained and the experimental results are used to detect it. The monitoring of the ZSP reveals useful information about the health condition of the joint. The main aim of this research is to investigate how the ZSP position varies by changing adhesive type (epoxy and polyurethane) and bonding area dimensions both in elastic conditions and damage progression. The results illustrate that the position of the ZSP in polyurethane SLJs is closer to the middle of the joint compared to epoxy SLJs. Additionally, the ZSP is more easily recognizable in epoxy adhesive SLJs when substrates are thicker. Finally, the ZSP showed negligible sensitivity to joint width for both types of adhesive joints regardless of the adhesive type. In conclusion, it is shown that the ZSP can be used as a monitoring index to detect damage initiation and propagation in SLJ specimens.

Comprehensive Analysis of E478 Single-Component Epoxy Resin and Tungsten-E478 Interface for Metallic-Polymer Composite Electron Source Applications.

This study provides comprehensive elemental, optical, and energy gap characteristics of the E478 single-component epoxy resin. This type of epoxy resin has imperative applications in medium voltage insulation and cold field emission of electrons. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) were used to study the elemental and structural analyses, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) was used to obtain the local work function and the ionization potential energies, and ultraviolet/visible light spectroscopy (UV/VIS) was used to report the optical and energy gap characteristics of the epoxy resin being studied. Moreover, the UPS and UV/VIS analyses were merged to obtain the electron affinity of the E478 epoxy resin and to study the epoxy's energy band diagram and the tungsten-epoxy interface band structure. The results showed that the E478 epoxy resin is considered an n-type semiconductor of energy gap ∼3.94 eV, local work function ∼3.42 eV, ionization potential ∼6.10 eV, electron affinity ∼2.16 eV, and tungsten-epoxy Schottky contact barrier height ∼2.50 eV.

Effect of solid lubricant additives on solid particle erosion characteristics of rigid and toughened epoxy resins

AbstractSolid lubricants are added to polymers to upgrade their tribological properties, especially in cases where adhesive and abrasive friction are valid. However, there are not enough studies on the effects of solid lubricants on particle erosion. This study investigated the effects on solid particle erosion behavior of three different well known solid lubricants (molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene, and graphite). These solid lubricants were added at three different ratios (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) to the two different type (rigid and toughened) epoxy resins. Garnet abrasive particles (180–400 μm) were blasted to the sample surface under 1.5 bar for 15 s to conduct solid particle erosion tests. The erosive wear mechanisms of neat and solid lubricant‐reinforced epoxy resins were investigated in relation to the epoxy type, solid lubricant type, and solid lubricant reinforcement ratio. Statistical analysis was performed according to response surface methodology to support the experimental results, and ANOVA tables were obtained. The wear and deformations that occurred on the surface after solid particle erosion were examined using a noncontact optical profilometer system and scanning electron microscopy, and a significant relationship was detected between the deformation on the surface and particle erosion. Analysis results showed that the factor causing the greatest erosion rate change was the epoxy resin type. Finally, it has been observed that all solid lubricants reduce the erosive wear resistance, and this resistance decreases as the weight ratio increases.Highlights Investigations were conducted into the erosion behavior of two types of epoxy resins: rigid and toughened. The toughened epoxy resin exhibited greater resistance to erosion. Although it has the same type of content, on average, rigid epoxy worn 2–4 times more than toughened epoxy. The effect of adding polytetrafluoroethylene tended to increase the erosion rate of both rigid and toughened epoxy resin less than that of other solid lubricants. Graphite particles increased the erosion rate of toughened epoxy by 1.5–3 times and that of rigid epoxy by 2–3 times, depending on the value of the reinforcement ratio. MoS2 increased the erosion rate of toughened epoxy by 1.5–3 times and that of rigid epoxy by 2–3 times. Using a noncontact optical profilometer (for investigating surface topography), it was proven that there is a significant relationship between the erosion rate and roughness characteristics. Wear mechanisms were identified by SEM analysis.