Ceramics International 44 (2018) 1220–1224

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Ceramics International
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ceramint

Short communication

Mechanical properties and tribological performance of epoxy/Al2O3 T

nanocomposite
⁎
D. Bazrgaria, F. Moztarzadeha, A.A. Sabbagh-Alvanib, M. Rasoulianboroujenic, M. Tahriric, ,
L. Tayebic,d
a
Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
b
Color and Polymer Research Center (CPRC), Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
c
Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
d
Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: In this research, a systematic study has been directed to evaluate epoxy matrix nanocomposite performance of
Nanocomposite Al2O3 nanoparticles incorporated into epoxy resin. An ultrasonic mixing process was utilized to achieve
Al2O3 nanoparticles homogenous dispersion of these nanoparticles into epoxy resin. Several mechanical and tribological tests, such
Epoxy as three-point bending test, Izod impact test and pin on ring wear test, were performed to examine mechanical
Mechanical properties
properties and wear performance of epoxy-Al2O3 nanocomposites. Nanocomposites displayed increased bending
Tribological performance
strength and impact strength due to the incorporation of Al2O3 nanoparticles. In addition, introduction of Al2O3
nanoparticles into epoxy resin matrix at low values resulted in significant reduction of wear rate and coefficient
of friction. Such effects could be attributed to dispersion of Al2O3 nanoparticles into epoxy matrix and loading.
The influences of the Al2O3 nanoparticle incorporation into epoxy matrix resin are further described in terms of
reinforcing methods.

1. Introduction
Epoxy resin is one of the most vital thermosetting polymers that has
been broadly employed as the matrix in composites and other structural
materials due to its high modulus and strength, excellent chemical re-
sistance, simplicity in processing and because it has been commercially
available for almost a half-century. In addition, epoxy resins are unique
among all thermosetting resins because of several factors including low
cure shrinkage, no volatiles given off during cure, compatibility with a
great number of materials, strength and durability, adhesion, corrosion
and chemical resistance, and electrical insulation [1]. Similar to other
thermosets, epoxy resins also form a network on curing with different
curing agents such as amines, anhydrides, thiols, etc. [2]. These che-
mical and processing flexibilities make epoxies useful in a wide variety
of applications, such as protective coating, paints, adhesives, electro-
nics, industrial flooring and composites.
During the past decade, nanocomposites have become a new class of
materials that enhance composite material performance by accessing
new characteristics and allowing unique interaction between materials
[3–14]. Polymer nanocomposites are defined as an interacting mixture
of a polymer and a solid phase that is in the nanometer size range in at
least one dimension [15]. There are several studies that show nano-
composites display high mechanical and thermal properties compared
to conventional composites [16,17]. Essentially, micrometer fillers have
relatively high density compared to the low density of polymer matrix,
therefore requiring a large amount of fillers added to the matrix in
order to improve mechanical performance. Also, this increase in filler
content leads to an increase in the weight of the composite [18]. On the
other hand, polymer nanocomposites possess the unique capability to
enhance mechanical properties at low filler content, allowing the ma-
terial to be lightweight [19]. The main advantages of nanocomposite
polymers are its advantages in physical properties compared to con-
ventional composities. For example, nanomodification can improve the
stiffness without deteriorating toughness, can enhance barrier proper-
ties without diminishing transparency and, lastly, can offer flame re-
tardency without reducing mechanical properties nor color [20,21].
Recently, there is great interest in enhancing properties of epoxy
matrix composite with addition of nanoparticles such as TiO2, SiO2 and
others [22,23]. Schadler and Siegel [24] produced an epoxy matrix
nanocomposite filled with nano-TiO2 and reported a beneficial effect on
mechanical properties. It was found that the addition of nanosized
particles can be a more effective way of improving the mechanical and

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail address: mohammadreza.tahriri@marquette.edu (M. Tahriri).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2017.10.068
Received 29 September 2017; Received in revised form 10 October 2017; Accepted 11 October 2017
Available online 12 October 2017
0272-8842/ © 2017 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.
D. Bazrgari et al. Ceramics International 44 (2018) 1220–1224

thermal characteristics of thermoset polymers over the traditionally
employed micrometer size fillers. Epoxy/clay nanocomposites are the
most widely worked thermoset hybrids. Scientists vary the type of resin,
organic modifiers, curing agents and processing conditions in order to
gain fundamental understanding of materials and to optimize the fab-
rication and processing techniques. Nanocomposites are now no longer
only restricted to the laboratory, they are found in the real world [25].
Good dispersion is necessary for obtaining optimal properties. There
are several techniques to introduce nanosize particles into a polymer
matrix. These various dispersion processes are necessary because they
facilitate the dispersion of nanoparticles from agglomerated state into a
homogeneous state. One of the most common application method to
achieve homogenous dispersion is ultrasonic mixing, which has been
greatly employed in recent years.
One of the applications of epoxy, as mentioned previously, is
flooring. This current study attempts to investigate mechanical prop-
erties of epoxy matrix nanocomposites by introducing Al2O3 nano-
2.2.4. Pin on ring wear test
Unlubricated block-on-ring sliding wear tests were conducted to
measure the tribological properties of the nanocomposites. A com-
mercially available carbon steel ring (0.42–0.45 wt% C, 0.17–0.37 wt%
Si, 0.5–0.8 wt% Mn, HRC 50), with a hardened, smoothly polished
surface and initial surface roughness of Ra = 0.1 mm, served as a
counter body. The experiment was carried out under a constant velocity
of 0.1 m/s and pressure of 3 MPa. Prior to wear testing, all samples
were pre-worn to average surface conditions, which reduced the run-
ning period. The actual steady-state test period was set to 3 h under
ambient conditions. The wear process removes some material away
from the sample; this mass loss can accurately be calculated by mea-
suring the weight of the sample before and after the experiment. A
characteristic value, which describes the wear performance under the
chosen conditions for a tribosystem, is the specific wear rate:
⋅ 3
Δm ⎛ mm ⎞
ωS = ⎜ ⎟

particles into epoxy resin, with focus on type of distribution and ρ . FN . L ⎝ Nm ⎠

loading. Ultrasonic mixing was employed to achieve homogenous dis- Where Δm = worn specimen mass (g), ρ = composite specific gravity
persion of nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix. Mechanical properties (g/cm), FN = normal force (N) and L = sliding distance (m).
and wear behavior of epoxy-Al2O3 nanocomposite as a function of
Al2O3 nanoparticles content was evaluated. The final properties of na-
2.2.5. Scanning electron microscopy
nocomposites may guide the way toward new application of high per-
In order to further examine the morphology of fracture surfaces
formance polymers.
from flexural testing and Izod impact test, scanning electron micro-
scopy was utilized with the purpose of obtaining information about the
2. Experimental procedures effect of nanoparticles on the corresponding reinforcing and wear me-
chanisms.
2.1. Material and methods
3. Results and discussion
The materials used in the current paper include 1-epoxy resin (bi-
sphenol A/epichlorohydrin (epon 828), equivalent weight =
3.1. Bending test
185–192 geq−1, viscosity at 25 °C = 100–150 poise) and 2-Modified
cycloaliphatic amine curing agent (Epikure F205, density at 25 °C =
Three-point bending test was used for evaluating flexural properties
1.04 kg/l), both supplied by Shell Chemical Co., Germany. 3- Al2O3
of epoxy matrix nanocomposites filled with Al2O3 nanoparticles. There
nanoparticles (alpha, 20 wt%, 30 nm) was supplied by Degussa Co.,
are several studies which agree with the beneficial effect of rigid par-
Germany.
ticles on the size of micrometer during stress-strain behavior of polymer
A known amount of Al2O3 nanoparticles was mixed with epoxy resin
matrix composite. In addition, it is known that flexural strength of
via a mechanical stirrer for 20 min to reduce resin viscosity. This
composites is reinforced with reduction of micrometer particle size due
compound was then mixed via an ultrasonic mixing device for 14 min
to increased filler content [28]. In the case of nanosized particles, the
in order to achieve a homogenous dispersion. A stoichiometry value of
particle size is very small, resulting in larger surface area and high in-
the curing agent was added to the blends at ambient temperature and
teraction between particles and polymer matrix. This provides high
mixed together for 5 min via the mechanical stirrer. In order to obtain
flexural strength. Fig. 1 shows flexural strength of nanocomposites
standard nanocomposite samples for mechanical testing, the final blend
filled with Al2O3 particles in terms of Al2O3 nanoparticles content. As
was poured into the Teflon mold, followed by the curing process which
observed in Fig. 1, the addition of 1% vol Al2O3 into epoxy resin re-
began after the extraction of air bubbles for 48 h.
sulted in a 15% improvement in flexural strength compared with neat
epoxy. Increasing the amount of alumina to 3% vol further improved
2.2. Nanocomposite characterization
80
Flexural Strength (MPa)

2.2.1. Flexural test

Three-point bending test of the composite samples was performed
60
according to EN ISO 178 using Zwick universal testing machine at a
deformation rate of 0.05 mm/s at room temperature. In order to eval-
uate flexural properties, five samples of each type were tested. 40

2.2.2. Izod impact test 20

Notched Izod impact test was conducted using impact Tester ma-
chine, according to ASTM D256 standard [26]. All samples are prepared
at a size of 64 × 12.7 × 4 mm. 0
xy

3
O

O
po

l2

l2
A

A
tE

2.2.3. Hardness test

1%

3%
ea

The Shore hardness is determined with an apparatus known as a

y+

y+
N

ox

ox

Durometer and consequently is also known as 'Durometer hardness'.

Ep

Ep

The hardness value is measured by the penetration of the Durometer

indenter foot into the sample. In this study, the hardness is calculated Fig. 1. Flexural strength of epoxy matrix nanocomposite in terms of Al2O3 nanoparticles
content (vol%).
utilizing a Durometer type D, in accordance with ASTM D2240 [27].

1221
D. Bazrgari et al.
flexural strength. This increased flexural strength can be attributed to
the quality of distribution and loading of nanoparticles.
Increasing in the flexural strength of nanocomposite filled with
Al2O3 nanoparticles reveals that there is strong bonding between par-
ticle and matrix, which can transfer any part of an external load. M.
Zhang demonstrates that the quality of the interface in composite plays
a very important role in its mechanical performance [29]. One of the
most important factors that can affect mechanical performance of na-
nocomposites is quality of distribution of nanoparticles in epoxy matrix
[22]. If a proper mechanism of mixing is chosen, a high quality of
dispersion can be achieved, therefore increasing the interaction be-
tween matrix and nanoparticles. Proper dispersion provides high sur-
face area and the effective load transfer will be high, resulting high
flexural strength. Another important factor that can affect mechanical
properties of nanocomposite is loading of nanoparticles. High loading
of particles increases Van der Waal forces between particles, which may
cause lower dispersion of nanoparticles. Therefore, high loading will
decrease the surface area and interaction between matrix and nano-
particles. Effective load transfer will be low, therefore resulting in lower
flexural properties.
There is similar trend for the stiffness of epoxy-alumia nano-
composite, as shown in Fig. 2. Polymer matrix composites filled with
inorganic particles shows improvement in stiffness, however, there is
also a diminished effect on toughness [30,31]. This improvement of
mechanical properties is resulted by change in the morphology of
polymer matrix due to the combination of inorganic and organic
components on nanosize level. In this case, improvement in stiffness is
due to the high quality of interfacial interaction between epoxy resin
and Al2O3 nanoparticles.
3.2. Impact test
The Izod impact test is one of the most applicable impact tests that
evaluates the behavior of a material subject to shock loading such as
bending, tension and torsion. Izod tests are widely applied in industries
due to the ease of sample preparation and the possibility to generate
comparative data very quickly [32]. Preparation of samples in Izod
impact test is done as unnotch and notch. The impact energy of notched
specimens is generally much lower than that of unnotched specimens,
because in unnotched specimens, the measured impact strength is af-
fected by the energy needed for both crack initiation and crack pro-
pagation. On the other hand, if the specimen contains a notch, then the
measured impact strength is affected by only crack propagation. In
other words, notches act as stress concentrators. Additionally, if the
original mixing process was not effective, a similar trend may be in-
duced by particle agglomerates, which remain as stress concentrators
30
Flextural Stifness (N/mm2)
20
10
0
y
3
ox
l2
l2
Ep
1%
3%
t
ea
y+
y+
N
ox
ox
Ep
Ep
Fig. 2. Flexural stiffness of epoxy matrix nanocomposite in terms of Al2O3 nanoparticles
content (vol%).
1222
Ceramics International 44 (2018) 1220–1224
2.5
Impact Strength (KJ/m2)
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
3
ox
O
l2
l2
Ep
A
%
t
ea
+1
+3
N
y
ox
ox
Ep
Ep
Fig. 3. Impact strength of epoxy matrix nanocomposite in terms of Al2O3 nanoparticles
content (vol%).
within the matrix. If the introduced particles act as strong stress con-
centrators, the impact energy of the epoxy matrix is expected to de-
crease significantly as more particles are introduced. It should be noted
at this point that the use of notched specimens in this study emphasizes
the measurement of the energy required to propagate a crack through
the material. Fig. 3. shows impact strength of epoxy nanocomposites as
a function of Al2O3 nanoparticle content.
The results show improvement on the impact behavior of nano-
composites due to addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles. This improvement
seems to be most effective at low content of Al2O3 nanoparticles (1 vol
%) because of fine distribution of Al2O3 nanoparticles into epoxy resin.
An improvement in impact strength is not seen with increasing amounts
of Al2O3 compared to epoxy reinforcement with 1 vol% Al2O3, which is
attributed to the nanoparticle agglomeration in composites at these
concentrations. These behaviors can be described with several factors.
First, the intensity of stress concentration around nanoparticles must be
small, since no deteriorating effects on impact strength observed by
nanoparticles infusion in nanocomposite with 1 vol% Al2O3 nano-
particles. In addition, it is very important to choose an appropriate
mixing mechanism in order to achieve homogenous dispersion of na-
noparticles into the epoxy resin. Loading of nanoparticles is another
parameter that might explain the deteriorating effect on impact
strength because it increases the probability of agglomeration in na-
nocomposite, increasing the intensity of stress concentration in nano-
composite. Therefore, there is no significant improvement in the lines,
as they are relatively smooth and featureless (Fig. 4). In general, the
fracture surfaces of thermosetting polymers are relatively featureless
compared to the surfaces of other brittle polymers. The appearance of
fracture surface of a thermosetting polymer depends upon both the
structure of the polymer and the test conditions, such as specimen
geometry and temperature. There are three different propagation
modes that depend on the state of cure of polymer and testing condi-
tions [33,34]. If failure occurs by continuous propagation, the propa-
gation mode will be stable brittle and the fracture surface is relatively
smooth. Second type of propagation mode is unstable brittle, which
occurs by a stick/slip process.
Crack arrest lines are seen in this mode of propagation. Finally,
stable ductile mode propagation takes place in high temperature testing
conditions [35]. Moreover, plain stress is the dominant state of stress in
epoxy-alumina nanocomposite, which causes an increase in the stress
necessary for to yield shearing.
Finally, high impact strength with good flexural properties are at-
tractive properties of epoxy-alumina nanocomposite, which have al-
lowed them to partially or fully replace fibers in conventional fiber-
reinforced composites.
D. Bazrgari et al. Ceramics International 44 (2018) 1220–1224

Fig. 4. Morphology of fracture surface from Izod impact test for (a) neat epoxy, (b) epoxy matrix nanocomposite filled with 1% Al2O3 nanoparticles and (c) epoxy matrix nanocomposite
filled with 3% Al2O3 nanoparticles due to impact test.

85

80
Shore D

75

70
y

3
O

O
ox

l2

l2
Ep

A
1%

3%
t
ea

y+

y+
N

ox

ox
Ep

Ep

Fig. 5. Hardness of epoxy matrix nanocomposite in terms of Al2O3 nanoparticles content Fig. 6. Wear rate of epoxy matrix nanocomposite in terms of Al2O3 nanoparticles content
(vol%). (vol%).

3.3. Hardness test
Fig. 5 shows the variations in the hardness of epoxy composites with
Al2O3 nanofiller content. As observed, addition of the Al2O3 nano-
particles increased the hardness, which corresponds to the higher
hardness and more uniform dispersion of Al2O3 nanofiller. Higher
hardness is exhibited by the 1% of Al2O3 nanoparticles filled compo-
sites, while 3% Al2O3 nanoparticles composite shows reduction in
hardness.
In most cases, increasing filler content increases the hardness of the
composite. In the case of high filler content ratio, a small drop in
hardness value is seen. This phenomenon can be described by the
weakness in the adhesion between the epoxy matrix and Al2O3 nano-
fillers. Lam et al. found that enhancing the filler ratio resulted in en-
hancing cluster in the Al2O3 particles filled composite and a reduction
in the hardness value of the epoxy composite [36].
3.4. Pin on disc wear test
Mechanical properties of epoxy matrix nanocomposites filled with
Al2O3 nanoparticles were investigated up until this point. Because no
direct correlation between mechanical and tribological performance of
nanocomposite exists, the aim of this section is to find out the influence
the nanoparticles would have on the wear properties of epoxy.
Recently, nanocomposites filled with nanoparticles were found to en-
able coating surfaces to be protected more uniformly in term of abra-
sion resistance compared with conventional coating additives [37,38].
On the other hand, Durand et al. discovered that large particles protect
the matrix better than small ones, because they can protect polymer if
not removed [39].
In order to reach a steady state for wear mechanism, wear test may
take many hours. At this point, the frictional coefficient and frictional
force reach a constant level. In addition, the heat generation and heat
flow reach equilibrium.
Wear rate of epoxy matrix composite in term of Al2O3 nanoparticles
are shown in Fig. 6.
As mentioned before, all specimens were tested in similar environ-
mental conditions. Total trend shows reduction in wear rate due to
addition of nanoparticles, indicating improvement in wear resistance.
As observed in Fig. 6, wear rate of epoxy matrix nanocomposite due to
introduction Al2O3 nanoparticles significantly decreases. However,
there is not a significant reduction for nanocomposite filled with 3 vol%
Al2O3 nanoparticles compared with nanocomposite filled with 1 vol%
Al2O3 nanoparticles. There is similar trend for coefficient of friction for
epoxy matrix nanocomposite filled with Al2O3 nanoparticles, as shown
in Fig. 7.
Filler-matrix bonding strength plays an important role in reduction
of coefficient of friction and improving wear resistance. When compo-
site filled with nanoparticles is introduced to wear, nanoparticle se-
paration occurs, induced by localized shear stress concentration at the
nanoparticles agglomeration. Separation of nanoparticles and area of
the surrounding matrix plays an important role in material removal due
to wear.
4. Conclusion
Mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy-alumina nano-
composite was evaluated in this paper. In order to achieve high quality
dispersion of epoxy-alumina nanocomposite, ultrasonic mixing was
employed. Results reveal that epoxy matrix properties have been af-
fected by introduction of nanoparticles. Flexural strength, stiffness and
impact strength of nanocomposite increased due to infusion of 1 vol%

1223
D. Bazrgari et al. Ceramics International 44 (2018) 1220–1224

0.8 [11] R. Touri, F. Moztarzadeh, Z. Sadeghian, D. Bizari, M. Tahriri, M. Mozafari, The use
of carbon nanotubes to reinforce 45S5 bioglass-based scaffolds for tissue en-
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Development of 3D PCL microsphere/TiO2 nanotube composite scaffolds for bone
tissue engineering, Mater. Sci. Eng.: C 70 (2017) 586–598.
[13] R. Masaeli, T.S.J. Kashi, R. Dinarvand, V. Rakhshan, H. Shahoon, B. Hooshmand,
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Fig. 7. Coefficient of friction of epoxy matrix nanocomposite in terms of Al2O3 nano-
particles content (vol%).
Al2O3 nanoparticles into epoxy matrix. Furthermore, wear rate and
coefficient of friction of nanocomposite significantly decreased due to
introduction of 1 vol% Al2O3 nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix.
These improvements were not observed when 3 vol% was introduced
into epoxy matrix because probability of agglomeration of nano-
particles increases in this situation. Finally, high mechanical properties
of epoxy-alumina nanocomposite, along with good wear properties,
allows the material to partially or fully replace fibers in conventional
fiber-reinforced composites.
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