Hot-cured epoxy-nanoparticulate-filled nanocomposites: Fracture toughness behavior

This study focused on toughness behavior and mechanical properties of nanoparticles exerted of hot-cured epoxy resins. A comprehensive evaluation was carried out on series of nanocomposites containing varying amounts of nano-sized Al2O3 (nano-alumina) and nanoclay. Tensile strength and young’s modulus of nanocomposite specimens was examined and compared with pure epoxy. Plane strain fracture toughness (KIC) was calculated using single-edge-notch...