Effect of particle size on the optically transparent nano meter-order glass particle-dispersed epoxy matrix composites

The effect of particle size on light transmittance of optically transparent nano-meter order particle-dispersed composites is studied on SiO particle-dispersed epoxy matrix optical composites. The light transmittance of the composites is measured in wavelength range from 300 to 800 nm. The relationship between light transmittance and particle size parameter, x = pid(p)n(m)/lambda(a), is discussed. It is found that the light transmittance has a minimum at the particle size parameter similar to4-6. The addition of nano-meter order particle is effective to obtain high light transmittance composite. In the case of the size parameter less than 20, the smaller size parameter is recommended to achieve high light transmittance. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.