Ultra-fine nano-CaCO3 based-epoxy composites: A high-strength nano-filler engineered via planetary ball milling for advanced structural applications

CaCO3 fillers offer high stiffness and impact resistance, but their rigid, brittle behaviour makes it challenging to attain good tensile properties in epoxy matrices. Herein, we report a high tensile strength and stiff nano-CaCO3/epoxy composites engineered via planetary ball milling for the first time. Remarkable improvement in strength of -51% (51.90 MPa) and modulus of -28% (522.62 MPa) at 1 wt% was observed with respect to micron-sized counterparts. A fascinating observation of -40% enhancement in ductility was also seen. The results imply that nano-CaCO3 particles (38-52 nm) showed promising results to be used as sustainable concrete nanofiller in greener construction industry and other commercial building applications.

Automated summary

High tensile strength and stiff nano-CaCO3/epoxy composites were successfully engineered via planetary ball milling for the first time. Compared to micron-sized counterparts, the composites exhibited a remarkable improvement of 51% in strength (51.90 MPa) and 28% in modulus (522.62 MPa) at 1 wt%. Additionally, a fascinating observation of 40% enhancement in ductility was achieved. These results suggest that nano-CaCO3 particles (38-52 nm) hold great potential as sustainable concrete nanofillers in greener construction industry and other commercial building applications.