The Effects of Silica Nanoparticles in Toughened Epoxy Resins and Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Frontmatter

1. Introduction

Abstract

Lightweight construction is one of the key technologies to master the challenges of the 21^st century. Be it to enable mankind to exploit renewable energy (just think about rotor blades for wind energy generators) or to reduce consumption of fossil energies in transportation by air, land or sea. In lightweight construction fiber-reinforced composites (abbreviated to "composites" for short) play a very prominent role. These new materials experienced, and are still experiencing, an extremely rapid development.

Stephan Sprenger

2. State-of-the-art of the science and technology

Abstract

The manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composites is based on quite a few very different processes [2.1.1], [2.1.2]. An excellent overview on actual technologies especially used for epoxy resins as matrix materials is given by Constantino et al. [2.1.3]. As each manufacturing technology implies specific requirements regarding the processability of the resin/hardener system used, this affects the formulations which potentially could be used.

Stephan Sprenger

3. Results and Discussion

Abstract

In this chapter first all property improvements of cured epoxy resins achievable by the addition of surface-modified SiO₂ nanoparticles will be investigated. The influence of the particle modification on the cure performance of epoxy resins is of interest as well. Furthermore it will be investigated if there are differences or commonalities for the different resin/hardener combinations.

Stephan Sprenger

4. Summary and outlook

Abstract

The properties of epoxy resins can be improved considerably by the addition of surface-modified SiO2 nanoparticles. At higher concentrations the particles are still monodisperse and no agglomerates are found. The rheological properties of the modified epoxy resins remain unchanged; viscosity is increased only slightly. The glass transition temperature of cured epoxy does not change in most systems.

Stephan Sprenger

Backmatter