Microstructure and mechanical properties of a hybrid epoxy/ZnO + Gr nanocomposites.

This work aims to study the microstructure and mechanical properties of epoxy matrix incorporated with different amount of ZnO at (1wt.%, 2wt.%, 3wt.%, 4wt.% and 5wt.%) with constant amount of Gr at 1wt.%. Dispersion of ZnO and Gr in the epoxy resin was conducted by ultrasonication device. (Epoxy/ZnO+Gr) nanocomposites samples were prepared by casting route. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) were used to describe the structural and morphological properties of the prepared the distribution and samples of nanomaterials into the epoxy resin. Mechanical tests (tensile, flexural and hardness shore (D)) were conducted according to ASTM standards. The results indicated that reinforcement at 5wt.% of ZnO nanoparticles and constant amount of Gr at 1wt.% increases comparing pure epoxy and nanocomposites' mechanical propertie. While the flexural strength decreased at 5 wt.%, this is due to agglomeration of the additives Using nanoparticles in epoxy resin 4 wt.%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]