Fabrication and Characterization of Epoxy Matrix Nanocomposites Based on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

In this current research, an investigation was carried out on the fabrication of high-performance epoxy matrix nanocomposite for various engineering applications. The nanocomposite samples were synthesized using epoxy matrix, and nano sized zinc oxide particulates. The morphology, particle size and composition of the nano sized zinc oxide particulates were determined using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The experimental nanocomposite samples were developed using 0, 1, 2,3,4,5 and 6 wt. % of ZnO nanoparticles by open cast method. Mechanical properties tests were carried out on the samples in accordance with ASTM standards. The results obtained show that tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of the nanocomposite samples increased progressively with increasing contents of the nano sized ZnO particulates up to 4 wt. %, after which a slight decrease in hardness, flexural strength, and tensile strength values were observed for samples containing 5 wt. % and 6 wt. % of reinforcement. Also, a similar trend was observed for impact strength results with nanocomposite sample containing 3wt. % reinforcement exhibiting the highest impact strength value of 11.18 KJ/m after which a slight decrease in impact strength value was observed for samples containing 4 wt. %, 5 wt. %, and 6 wt. % of ZnO nanoparticles respectively. Contrarily, the ductility of the nanocomposite samples decreases progressively with increasing contents of the nano sized ZnO particulates. Results obtained from microstructural examination of the nanocomposite samples show that the ZnO nanoparticles were well dispersed in the nanocomposite samples containing 1 wt. % to 4 wt. % of filler contents. However, agglomeration of the ZnO nanoparticles was observed in samples containing 5 wt. % and 6wt. % of filler contents. Keywords: Epoxy, Nanocomposite, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Mechanical Properties.