Effect of carbon nano-filler addition on the degradation of epoxy adhesive joints subjected to hygrothermal aging. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jojibabu, Panta; Ram, G.D. Janaki; Deshpande, Abhijit P.; Bakshi, Srinivasa Rao
• Is Part Of: Polymer degradation and stability. Volume 140(2017)
• Page Start: 84
• Page End: 94
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Adhesive bonding -- Epoxy -- Carbon nanotubes -- Graphene nanoplatelets -- Carbon nanohorns -- Hygrothermal aging; Polymers -- Deterioration -- Periodicals; Stabilizing agents -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Dégradation -- Périodiques; Stabilisants -- Périodiques; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2017.04.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-3910

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, the effect of hygrothermal aging on the strength of pure and carbon nano-filler reinforced epoxy adhesive joints is presented. Epoxy adhesives containing three different carbon nano-fillers, namely, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and single walled carbon nanohorns (CNH) were prepared by using a high shear rate mixer. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the nano-filler reinforced epoxy indicated an improvement in the thermal stability compared to pure epoxy. Aging studies were carried out on single lap-shear specimens as per EN ISO 9142:2003 standard (cycle D3). The strength of the joints was found to decrease with hygrothermal aging time. The nano-filler reinforced joints showed less reduction in joint strength with aging compared to pure epoxy joints. The GNP/epoxy joints showed the best resistance to aging followed by CNT and CNH reinforced joints. Fourier Attenuated Total Reflectance Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis of the hygrothermal aged samples indicated lower degradation in terms of hydrolysis of epoxy groups for nano-filler reinforced epoxy. Gravimetric analysis of samples immersed in water showed lower weight gain for nano-filler reinforced epoxy composites. Fracture surface analysis was carried out to study the change in failure mechanism with aging time.