Sharif Digital Repository

Herein, the fracture toughness of ternary epoxy systems containing nanosilica and hollow glass microspheres (HGMS) is investigated. The experimental measurements reveal synergistic fracture toughness in some hybrid compositions: The incorporation of 10 phr of HGMS and nanosilica alone modify the fracture toughness of epoxy by 39% and 91%, respectively. However, use of 10 phr hybrid modifier can enhance the fracture toughness of the resin up to 120%. Observations reveal different toughening mechanisms for the blends i.e., plastic deformation for silica nanoparticles and crack bifurcation for HGMS. Both of these toughening mechanisms additively contribute to the synergism in ternary epoxies  

The fracture behavior of a hybrid-rubber-modified epoxy system was investigated. The modified epoxy included amine-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (ATBN) rubber and recycled tire particles as fine and coarse modifiers, respectively. The results of the fracture toughness (K IC) measurement of the blends revealed synergistic toughening in the hybrid system when 7.5-phr small particles (ATBN) and 2.5-phr large particles (recycled tire) were incorporated. Transmission optical micrographs showed different toughening mechanisms for the blends; fine ATBN particles increased the toughness by increasing the size of the damage zone and respective plastic deformation in the vicinity of the crack...