Effect of core–shell rubber (CSR) nano-particles on mechanical properties and fracture toughness of an epoxy polymer

A DGEBA epoxy resin cured using dicyandiamide hardener, was modified by using two types of CSR nano-particles over a range of volume fractions from 0 vol.% to 38 vol.%. The size and microstructure of CSR particles were studied and the measured diameters are 203 nm (with a 16.9 nm shell thickness) and 74.1 nm respectively. Addition of CSR nano particles increased the glass transition temperature due to the interaction between matrix and...