Investigation of the effect of nanoparticle dispersion on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites

Two different mixing methods were used to examine the effect of mixing efficiency on the mechanical properties of composite materials obtained by adding nanoparticles into epoxy resin. Tensile, bending and Izod impact tests were performed on the samples prepared by planetary centrifugal mixing and mechanical mixing methods, and their mechanical properties were investigated. These studies aimed to determine the ideal mixing method, which provides a homogeneous mixture and has higher mechanical properties. Halloysite (HNT), NanoClay and tungsten carbide (WC) nanoparticles were used as additives in the study. 150g of each additive was mixed into the Epoxy resin at the rates of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% by weight. When the samples obtained were subjected to tests, it was seen that both mixing methods provided a positive increase in values. The HNT-doped composite prepared with GSY showed the best improvement, with a 30% increase in tensile strength. A decrease was observed in all strength values of the NanoClay added composite and it was understood that it was not suitable for use in the percentages used with the selected epoxy. It provided increases in the strength values of WC-added samples and, unlike other additives, it was observed that it gave the samples a significant increase in ductility. In the SEM images taken from the prepared samples, it was seen that GSY was more effective in mixing efficiency than mechanical mixing and a homogeneous mixture was achieved.