The Effect of the Increase in Impact Strength of Epoxy Composites by Agglomerated Nanoparticles

Abstract

The influence of WS-120 white soot nanoparticles and ultrafine particles of powdered quartz (brand A) with the same chemical nature (SiO₂) and size (diameter of ~150 nm) on the structure and impact strength of dispersedly filled epoxy polymers is elucidated. This is the first time that agglomerates of white soot nanoparticles with sizes of ~150 nm at their optimal concentration have been shown to almost double the impact strength of epoxy polymers, while its initial value under the effect of monolithic ultrafine particles of powdered quartz with ~150-nm particles gains only ~20%. Agglomerates of nanoparticles with optimal dimensions are found to be much more efficient for increasing the impact strength of epoxy dispersed systems in comparison with monolithic ultrafine particles.