The modelling of the toughening of epoxy polymers via silica nanoparticles: The effects of volume fraction and particle size

Silica nanoparticles possessing three different diameters (23, 74 and 170 nm) were used to modify a piperidine-cured epoxy polymer. Fracture tests were performed and values of the toughness increased steadily as the concentration of silica nanoparticles was increased. However, no significant effects of particle size were found on the measured value of toughness. The toughening mechanisms were identified as (i) the formation of localised...