Thermo-mechanical behaviours investigation of Nano-Sized Al2O3, TiO2, and Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Composite materials find extensive applications in various industries, thanks to their remarkable properties. These sectors include energy, maritime, motor sports, aviation, space and defense. The materials commonly used in these sectors are fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials. Epoxy materials are commonly used as matrix in the production of FRP materials. This study delves into the enhancement of epoxy-based nanocomposites by using graphene nanoplatelets (GNP-5nm), TiO2 (13nm), and Al2O3 (8nm) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were added at varying mass ratios into a commercial epoxy to investigate their effects on some chemical, thermal and mechanical properties. Meticulous mixing methodologies were used to reduce clumping effects and ensure even distribution during the process. The curing process was carried out in a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) controlled hot air oven under isothermal conditions under the influence of 100 °C for 30 minutes. Tensile strength, elongation at break, toughness, resilience modulus, elasticity modulus, hardness, FTIR analysis and thermal conductivity properties were characterized to assess the nanoparticle influence on the epoxy matrix. The results showed that there were remarkable improvements in mechanical properties with nanoparticle reinforcement. Especially, 1.25% Al2O3 inclusion exhibited a substantial increase of 140.32% in tensile strength and a 7% rise in shore D hardness compared to pure epoxy. This enhancement was attributed to enhanced O-H bonding between 'O' atoms in Al2O3 nanoparticles and epoxy polymer chains, enhancing matrix-filler interactions. Additionally, the effect of 1.0% TiO2 led to plasticity, displaying a 32% rise in elongation at break, signifying improved deformation energy absorption compared to neat epoxy. In thermal conductivity measurements, the highest thermal conductivity was observed in the sample with 1.25% GNP added and it increased by 123.5% compared to neat epoxy. In TiO2 and Al2O3 added samples, an increase of 69% and 47%, respectively, was observed at 1.25% additive rates compared to neat epoxy. According to the results, thanks to the nanoparticle reinforcement added into the epoxy matrix, composite structures can be given new and superior properties specific to the applications.