Characteristics of Mechanical Properties and Thermal Behavior of Epoxy Nanocomposites and Coatings by Zinc Borate, Nano Silica, and Hardener.

This study reports the ability of zinc borate (ZB) and nano silica (NS) in improving mechanical properties and thermal behavior of nanocomposites and coatings composed of epoxy resin EPIKOTE 1001 × 75 cured with hardener T31. The properties of the fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. With the addition content of 5 wt % ZB into epoxy resin (EPIKOTE 1001 × 75/T31/ZB-5), the impact strength of the fabricated epoxy polymer film increased by 50%, and the glass transition temperature ( ) increased from 52 to 71 °C.