Mechanical Properties and Fracture Mechanism of Epoxy Resin Improved by Adding Silica Nanoparticles
纳米颗粒改性环氧树脂的力学性能与断裂机理

This work focuses on the effect of highly-dispersed silica nanoparticles on toughening/reinforcing high-performance epoxy resin. It is found that the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites are significantly improved with adding the silica nanoparticles. Experimental results show that the elastic modulus, the tensile strength and the fracture toughness (GIC) of epoxy resin added 14wt% silica are enhanced about 21%, 17% and 49%, respectively. Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that the presence of nanoparticles may induce resin matrix plastic deformation such as shear banding and cavity growth. Theoretical analysis further demonstrates that the matrix plastic deformation, including plastic shear banding and void growth, should be the main mechanism of fracture toughness increasing of high-performance epoxy resin improved by adding silica nanoparticles.