INVESTIGATIONS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE NANO SiO2 EPOXY NANOCOMPOSITE

In this study, dispersion of nano SiO2 and its effect on mechanical properties were studied by preparing epoxy nanocomposites. Ultrasonic and mechanical mixes were used to disperse the SiO2 nanoparticles in to the epoxy resin. Having been produced with five different weight percentage ratios of SiO2, nanocomposites fracture surfaces were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, optical microscope on tensile tests and bending tests. The results of experimental tests showed that the optimum values of strength for both test were acquired for (2 wt. %) of nano SiO2 epoxy nanocomposites. Scanning Electron Microscopy and optical microscopy analysis techniques were used to understand the toughening mechanisms of the nanocomposites.