Synthesis of epoxy nanocomposite reinforced silica and carbon nanotube, characterization and investigation with experimental design techniques

In this study, it is aimed to synthesize nanocomposite materials with properties that can be used in various fields, especially in the defense industry. First, DGEBA resin was synthesized as a result of the reaction of epichlorohydrin with 4,4'- (propane-2,2-diol) diphenol (Bisphenol A). Characterization of the synthesized epoxy resin was done by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Synthesized epoxy resin DGE, glycerin, benzyl alcohol, Triton X-405 non-ionic surfactant coated MWCNT and fume silica additives were mixed in certain proportions and cure with heat using DETA curing agent. The tensile strenght, elastic modulus value and elongation value of 42 different types of composite materials prepared were determined by tensile testing. Tensile test results were examined by experiment design techniques. The resistance of 42 different types of composite materials to chemicals was determined gravimetrically with chemical test. Chemical tests were done with eight different chemicals. Acoording to the chemical test results, the use of MWCNT, fume silica and glycerin as additives has been shown to increase the resistance of the composite material to chemicals. The T_g and T_m values of pure composite material prepared with the synthesized epoxy resin were determined from the HDSC thermogram obtained by TGA analysis, and the temperature-related mass loss and degradation temperature were determined from the thermogram obtain by the TGA analysis. According to tensile test data, the sample containing 2% silica by mass and 0,1% YAM/MWCNT additives by mass gave the best result. TGA analysis was performed on this sample. The data obtained from the analysis were compared with the data obtained from the analyzes of pure epoxy composite material. As a result of this comparison, it was observed that the nanocomposite material, where MWCNT and fume silica were used as additives, had higher decomposition temperature with higher T_g and T_m value compared to composite material prepared with pure epoxy. In order to analyze the effect of the surfactant used in order to ensure the goos distribution of MWCNTs in the epoxy matrix, SEM analysis was performed on the nanocomposite material prepared with MWCNT that was not coated with the surfactant and the nanocomposire material prepared with the MWCNT coated with the surfactant. As a result of the analysis, it has been observed that Triton X-405 surfactant can distribute MWCNTs very well in the matrix. All the results we observed experimentally are compatible with the literature and nanocomposite materials suitable for use in many fields have been synthesized. It is tought that the study will be a guide for researchers who will work on similar issues.