ENHANCING THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COUNTERTOP EPOXY THROUGH Zr02 NANOPARTICLE REINFORCEMENT

Countertop epoxy is well-regarded for its durability, heat resistance, and seamless finish, making it a favored choice in kitchens, bars, and commercial environments. Its brittleness and limited thermal stability may restrict its use in more demanding environments. This research examines the possible improvement of the performance by incorporating ZrO₂ nanoparticles. Due to their thermal stability and fracture toughness, ZrO₂ nanoparticles have the potential to greatly enhance the properties of epoxy materials. Comprehensive analyses, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), tensile, flexural, and impact testing, reveal significant benefits from incorporating ZrO₂. Notably, it has been observed that 2 % ZrO₂ reinforcement boosts the glass transition temperature (Tg) by 25 %, increasing it from 56 °C to 70 °C, indicating enhanced thermal stability. The best mechanical performance occurs with a 1 % ZrO₂ concentration, resulting in a 70 % improvement in flexural modulus and considerable gains in tensile strength and impact energy absorption. When compared to other nanoparticles like boron nitride and Mg₂Al(OH)₆(DBS)ₙH₂O, ZrO₂ demonstrates superior performance in terms of glass transition temperature (Tg), flexural strength, and modulus. This makes ZrO₂-reinforced epoxy an excellent choice for industrial applications, offering a combination of durability, high performance, and aesthetic appeal.