Advanced hybrid materials from epoxy, oxidized UHMWPE fibers and silane surface modified silicon nitride nanoparticles

Abstract

Aiming the development of highly performant polymer-based hybrid materials, the typical bisphenol-A based epoxy resin was reinforced with oxidized UHMWPE fibers and various amounts of silane surface modified silicon nitride (Si3N4) nanoparticles. The reinforcing phases underwent optimized surface modifications to create a fully connected network for an improved stress transfer between the constituents. The efficiency of the grafting methodology was confirmed by vibrational and morphological analyses. Meanwhile, the effects of the adopted modifications techniques on the mechanical properties were thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, static and dynamic mechanical investigations along with impact tests were conducted to study the effects of various amounts of Si3N4 nanoparticles on the overall performances of the epoxy/UHMWPE composite. The obtained results confirmed the great benefits from creating a fully connected hybrid network. The as such developed hybrids can be seen as promising materials for the intended use.