Size effect on fracture behaviors of epoxy composites with micron and nano alumina particles

Abstract

This research is aimed to fabricate the nano and micron particle reinforced composites as well as to understand the particulate size effect on the mechanical behaviors of the composites. The stiffness, strength and fracture toughness were investigated in this study. Spherical alumina particles with diameters of 5 microns and 10-20 nano meters were dispersed respectively into the epoxy resin using the mechanical mixer followed by the sonication. To measure the stiffness and strength of the composites, coupon specimens were prepared and then tested in tension. On the other hand, the fracture toughness was evaluated by performing three point bending tests on the single edge notch bending specimens. Experimental results revealed that the Young's modulus of composites basically is not affected by particulate size; while, the tensile strength of the composites containing nano particles is higher than that with micron particles. From the fracture tests, it was indicated that the composites containing nano particles possess superior fracture toughness than the composites with micron inclusions.