Ultra-fine high strength nanomarble filler reinforced epoxy composites.pdf

The idea of synthesizing ultra-fine nanoparticles with a regular rhombohedral morphology was to achieve a significantly high tensile strength in marble (rock) which is known to be weaker in tension mode. Furthermore, the mechanical response data for nano-CaCO3 in context of tensile properties in thermosets is limited. 1. We propose impressively high tensile strength and modulus in thermosets (an enhancement of ~51% and ~28%) at just 1wt% by synthesizing uniform-sized nano-CaCO3 particles (stone) which is an arduous task. 2. Adding a brittle filler (nano-CaCO3) to a brittle matrix resulted in a novel behaviour of ~40% enhancement in ductility which is difficult to achieve. 3. To date, no HR-TEM characterization of a disordered, diffused dolomitic stone with atomic arrangement at 1 nm resolution has been reported. 4. An enhancement in tensile properties without any surface modification or concomitance with natural fibres at very low loadings (1wt%) would pave an innovative pathway for a sustainable nano-filler in reducing carbon footprints and enabling circular economy by transforming concrete technology for a greener construction industry.