Influence of Nano‐Calcium Carbonate Particles on the Moisture Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposite

Abstract

The moisture absorption and diffusion characteristics of epoxy-based nanocomposites containing nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO 3 ) are investigated. Although the moisture absorption decreased with increasing nano-CaCO 3 content except for 8 wt%, the moisture absorption and diffusion behaviors were different from each other. It was found that the incorporation of 2 wt% and 4 wt% nano-CaCO 3 decreased moisture absorption capacity effectively. This is due to the more uniform distribution of nano-CaCO 3 particles, which created a longer diffusion path of moisture molecules in the nanocomposites. For the diffusion rate of moisture, there is no significant change observed on adding nano-CaCO 3 . The effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of nano-CaCO 3 -filled epoxy nanocomposites were investigated as a functional property of nano-CaCO 3 content. Due to moisture absorption, the flexural strength of epoxy/nano-CaCO 3 composites significantly impaired when compared to dry nanocomposites. However, the effect of nano-CaCO 3 on these mechanical properties was found to be positive, which allows the application of modified epoxy resin in high-humidity environments.

The Impact of the Acidic Environment on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Compounds in Different Conditions

“…The compressive strain at the compressive strength for both compounds was at a similar level. According to He et al, nano-CaCO 3 particles have a large surface area and they may act as efficient barriers against moisture transport through the polymers [ 47 ]. The transport speed of moisture or vapors through the polymers is retarded because the impenetrable nanoparticles cause an increase in the path length for molecule diffusion through the polymer.…”

“…The transport speed of moisture or vapors through the polymers is retarded because the impenetrable nanoparticles cause an increase in the path length for molecule diffusion through the polymer. He et al also underlined that the increase in equilibrium moisture content observed with the increase in nano-CaCO 3 content can be explained by the growth of void content and interphase layer content [ 47 ]. Moreover the negative effect of moisture on the flexural property of unmodified epoxy can be reduced by adding nano-CaCO 3 particles.…”

“…The effect of nano-CaCO 3 content on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy/nano-CaCO 3 composites was tested by He et al [ 46 ]. He et al also investigated the moisture absorption and diffusion of epoxy-based nanocomposites containing nano-CaCO 3 [ 47 ]. The effect of CaCO 3 and Al 2 O 3 fillers on the mechanical properties of glass/epoxy composites was studied by Sai Sravani et al [ 48 ].…”

“…However, He et al [ 46 ] demonstrated that even small contents (2–6 wt.%) of nano-CaCO 3 in the epoxy matrix (in cured state) can increase the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the modified epoxy material. On the other hand, with regard to the exploitation process in the aquatic environment, He et al [ 47 ] presented results that the negative effect of moisture on the flexural property of unmodified epoxy can be reduced by adding nano-CaCO 3 particles. The effect of nano-CaCO 3 on the mechanical properties was found to be positive, which is promising for the application of modified epoxy resin in high-humidity environments.…”

Epoxy/Fly ash from Thermal Power Plant/Nanofiller Nanocomposite: Studies on Mechanical and Thermal Properties: A Review

“…However, for many years the reinforcement of inorganic filler content was surpassed only 10 vol%. He H.et al[122] studied the effect of nano CaCO 3 on the moisture absorption and diffusion properties of epoxy-based composites. The moisture absorption capacity was found educed with the addition of nano CaCO 3 with 2 wt% and No: 375 4 wt%.…”