Thermal Stability and Fracture Toughness of Epoxy Resins Modified with Epoxidized Castor Oil and Al2O3Nanoparticles

This study examined the effects of the epoxidized castor oil (ECO) and Al₂O₃ content on the thermal stability and fracture toughness of the diglycidylether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)/ECO/ Al₂O₃ ternary composites using a range of techniques. The thermal stability of the composites was decreased by the addition of ECO and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. The fracture toughness of the composites was improved significantly by the addition of ECO and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. The composite containing 3 wt % Al₂O₃ nanoparticles showed the maximum flexural strength. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed tortuous cracks in the DGEBA/ECO/ Al₂O₃ composites, which prevented deformation and crack propagation.