Micro-crack Pinning and Interfacial Fracture in Mixed Metal Oxide Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposite

The effects of mixed metal oxides (CexZr1-xO2) nanoparticle dispersion on the mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms of epoxy polymer matrix and its composite with glass fiber system are reported in this paper. CexZr1-xO2 nanoparticles are synthesized using sol-gel method, and its crystallinity is optimized. Epoxy nanocomposites are synthesized by a dispersion technique, and the compressive properties are optimized. The glass transition temperature has been improved. Epoxy with 5wt.% of Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 shows optimal results with an increase of 17.4% in compressive modulus, and an increase of 23.4% in compressive strength with respect to those of neat epoxy. This improvement attributes to higher strength of shearing of polymer during the fracture of the nanoparticle interface. Micro-crack kinks at the interfaces can further delay fracture under compression. E-glass fabric-reinforced 5wt.% Ce0.75Zr0.25O2-epoxy nanocomposite also shows improvement in the mechanical properties via nanoscale interface with fibers. This type of ceramic nanocomposites has useful applications in thermal/electrical insulations besides improving the compressive/buckling properties