Effect of Low Weight Fraction of Nano-reinforcement on Tensile Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

In this study, epoxy nanocomposites having 0.5%, weight fraction of SiO2 nanoparticles was prepared, and response of nanocomposites on the fracture and mechanical properties of the composites were obtained. The tensile properties of the epoxy nanocomposites as well as neat epoxy were evaluated in accordance with ASTM standard D-638 by molding the dog-bone specimens directly by using vertical acrylic molds. The results show that the addition of SiO2 nanoparticles contributes significant improvement in the elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength and failure strain of the SiO2 epoxy nanocomposites