The Influence of Modification with Natural Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Adhesive Compositions after Storage Time

Abstract

This article presents the initial test results examining basic technological factors, such as type of modifying agent and seasoning time, which influence properties of adhesive epoxide compositions. The aim of the study was to prepare adhesive compositions with 2% content of the selected natural fillers (montmorillonite NanoBent ZR-2, ground chalk (powder)—CaCO3, and activated carbon powder C) and to examine their strength properties. A polymeric matrix used to prepare an adhesive composition consisted of the epoxide resins used in industry: Epidian 5 and Epidian 53 cured by addition of an aminomethyl group, where curing occurred through the Mannich reaction. A composition of epoxide resins with a curing agent and without any modifying agents was used as reference. The examinations described in the present article aimed to show the significance of the impact of the fillers used on the strength properties of the examined compositions. A fracture surface of epoxide adhesive compositions modified with the selected fillers was tested by means of a scanning electron microscope.