Abstract:
In the present work an attempt has been made to improve the resistance to fracture, thermal stability and UV degradation of epoxy based adhesive by adding TiO2 nano-particles (20 --- 30 nm) as filler (ex-situ) through mechanical and ultrasonic mixing methods. A brief study on metallic joint of this composite adhesive has also been done. Characterization of the epoxy based nano-composite includes the properties like tensile strength, lap shear strength, glass transition temperature and IPDT. Results show a substantial improvement in all the properties of the epoxy nano-composite upto 20 wt% Ti02 addition. Fracture behavior has been studied under SEM on tensile fracture surface of the nano filled epoxy adhesive. FTIR spectroscopy has been carried out to study the changes in bonding of epoxy adhesive due to presence of Ti02 nano particles. The comparative change in resistance to UV degradation has also been studied as Ti02 nanoparticles have ability to absorb UV radiation. Metallic Joint of the composite adhesive has been characterized by its lap shear strength and analysis of fracture surface under SEM.
