Enhanced structural, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of nano ZTA/epoxy composites.

Epoxy composites were prepared by doping nano Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA) which were synthesized by solution combustion method into epoxy resin and hardener. Initially ZTA nanopowder was characterized to check its purity, morphology and to confirm its metal-oxide bonding using XRD, SEM and FTIR respectively. The thermal properties such as TGA and DTG were also analysed. The polymer composites were obtained by uniformly dispersing ZTA nanopowder into epoxy using an ultrasonicator. Polymer composites of various concentrations viz, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 wt% were synthesized, all concentrations were prepared on weight basis. All the polymer composites were tested for compression properties, flexural properties and tensile properties. Best results for all the mechanical properties were obtained for epoxy with 1.5 wt% ZTA composites. Electrical properties such as breakdown voltage and breakdown strength were analysed and outstanding results were observed for epoxy with 2.5 wt% ZTA composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]