Search

In this study, nanoalumina (Al2O3) and nanosilica (SiO2) particles are evaluated as tougheners for a high glass-transition temperature (Tg) epoxy system in correlation with liquid composite molding (LCM) processability. The aim of this paper is to directly compare the effectiveness of nanoalumina and nanosilica of the same nominal particle size as epoxy tougheners on the same neat resin system. The epoxy resin system used in this study was Dow D.E.R. 330 amine cured epoxy with a Tg of 150℃. Both particle types are observed to be Tg neutral and increase fracture toughness of the base epoxy system. Between the two particle types, nanoalumina is found to be more effective than nanosilica in terms of achievable fracture toughness at a given particle loading. As resin viscosity increases with particle addition, the addition of fewer particles with the use of nanoalumina is also beneficial to LCM processing where a lower viscosity is preferable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study polyimide/inorganic silica-alumina nanoparticle hybrid films are first prepared by sol-gel method to find a promising method for enhancing thermal property and other properties. Silica sol and alumina sol starting from tetraethoxysilicane (TEOS) and aluminum isopropylate (ALP) are doped in a solution of poly (amic acid). The hybrid films are obtained by a stepwise heating method. The structure, micro-morphology, and thermal properties of the films are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The micrographs show uniform distribution of club shaped particles in the films containing silica and alumina. The micrographs of polyimide/silica hybrid films revealed sphericity and uniform distribution of particles. Al2O3 particles are poorly dispersed and are prone to agglomerate in the polyimide/alumina hybrid films. Moreover, there are chemical bonds between inorganic and organic phases in the hybrid films. The thermo-decomposition temperature of the hybrid films is also improved markedly after the addition of silica and alumina nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]