The polymer nanocomposite characteristics on various mixtures and mixing times in simple mixing method

Abstract

Science and technological developments in the material field have been currently dedicated to a super strong material potential based on nanotechnology. The super strong material can be created from the mixture of epoxy-resin polymer and SiO2 (silicon dioxide) nanoparticles. Polymers exist as a nanoparticle adhesive due to nano-SiO2, which possesses a high amorphic level, resulting in a stronger, more flexible, and stiffer combination than the current super strong material. The advantages of nanocomposite polymer using epoxy-resin and nano-SiO2 produce strong and light products with an easier production process, utilizing local materials that can improve the following material quality. This study used four material variations, namely P30, P35, P40, and P45, combined with nanoparticles at 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%. Based on the results, the highest compressive strength level was found on the PNK 40 EH2:1N1 mixture at 53.18 MPa with 1627 kg/m3 weight density. From the X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) test results, the following mixture had the lowest amorphic phase, while Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) test results showed that the following mixture absorbed more hydrogen elements, and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) observation on the following material mixture had more organized particle distribution.