Thermo-mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester toughened epoxysiliconized iron (III) oxide nanocomposites

Abstract

Novel siliconized iron (III) oxide nanoparticles reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) toughened epoxy nanocomposites is prepared. The siliconized iron (III) oxide nanoparticles are improved thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) based epoxy resin is toughened with 5, 10 and 15% (by wt) of UP using benzoyl peroxide as radical initiator and 4, 4′ -diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as curing agent. UP toughened epoxy systems are reinforced with 1, 3, and 5% (by wt) of siliconized iron (III) oxide nanoparticles. The thermal and mechanical properties, and microstructures of nanocomposites are investigated. Data results from thermal and mechanical studies indicate that the insertion of siliconized iron (III) oxide nanoparticles into UP toughened epoxy system enhances the thermal and mechanical properties. Morphology of the hybrid system reveals homogenous distribution of nanoparticles.