Multi-phase epoxy nanocomposites: A theoretical analysis of mechanical, thermal and electrical behavior with void influence

Ferrite-based nanoparticles (NPs) are a good choice to load in epoxy polymer to make a structurally stable and to shield from electromagnetic interference. Addition of 7 wt% cobalt ferrite (CF) with epoxy cause the enhancement of electrical (by 22.95%) and thermal (by 19.75%) conductivity but compromise the mechanical property. Additional 25% Glass Fiber (GF) or 1% Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) loadings, led to improvement in the mechanical strengths (tensile by 79 or 55.5%, respectively, and flexural strength by 185.87 or 32.53%, respectively) and thermal conductivity (by 314.8 or 58.1%) of Epoxy/CF (EpCF 7 ) composite. GF or silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) has been added with EpCF 7 to make this composite more electrically nonconductive but SWCNT loading led to the enhancement of electrical conductivity by the six orders of magnitude. The impact of voids, formed within nanocomposite, has been investigated quantitatively. Void has deteriorated all the properties of overall nanocomposite. Digimat and Ansys have been used here for the theoretical comparative study between Epoxy/CF, Epoxy/CF/GF, Epoxy/CF/SiO 2 , and Epoxy/CF/SWCNT along with voids influence on the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. These combinations with optimum mixing methodology offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio to make very much useful for light weight complex composite structure in aviation, marine, and other transport sectors or at electronic sectors.