Investigating the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites modified by polyamide and nano-Al2O3

This work aims to evaluate the effects of polyamide (PA) and nano-Al2O3 on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP) and obtain the optimal addition content of PA and nano-Al2O3. Epoxy matrix composite (EMC) is prepared via the solution blending method using the PA as the curing agent, toughening agent, and the nano-Al2O3 modified with the silane coupling agent as the filler. Then it is tested for tensile, hardness, impact and wear resistance performances. The results show that when the ratio of PA to EP varies in the range of 40 wt.% to 80 wt.%, increasing the PA content can improve the impact toughness and plasticity of EMC but reduce its hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance. When the content of PA is 60 wt.% of EP, the elongation at break and impact strength of EMC are increased by 66.4% and 12.9%, respectively. The mechanical performances of EMC can be enhanced by loading nano-Al2O3 fillers in a specific range. When the content of nano-Al2O3 is 2 wt.% of EP, the elastic modulus, the tensile strength and the wear resistance of EMC are increased by 27.9%, 20.8% and 49%, respectively. The research can provide a valid technical reference for the industrial application of EMC materials.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the effects of polyamide (PA) and nano-Al2O3 on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin (EP) and determines the optimal addition content of PA and nano-Al2O3. Epoxy matrix composite (EMC) is prepared using PA as the curing and toughening agent, and nano-Al2O3 modified with a silane coupling agent as the filler. The results show that increasing the PA content improves the impact toughness and plasticity of EMC but reduces its hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance. Loading nano-Al2O3 fillers in a specific range enhances the mechanical performances of EMC. The research provides a valid technical reference for the industrial application of EMC materials.