The Influence of Copper Oxide Particle Size on the Properties of Epoxy Resin

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the size of copper particles and the properties of epoxy resin. Epoxy resin is a type of thermosetting resin commonly used as a matrix in polymer matrix composite materials reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. As part of this study, three microscale and two nanoscale composite samples modified with copper oxide particles of varying sizes were produced. This study included mechanical property tests such as static tensile tests, static bending tests, and impact tests. The results of the strength tests were compared to modeling results. Additionally, an accelerated thermal aging process was conducted to determine the impact of external conditions on the behavior of the produced composites. This study concluded with an analysis of thermal conductivity. The test results revealed that the size of the copper particles significantly impacted the tested properties. The composites with copper oxide particles on the nanoscale demonstrated the best results. These composites have promising applications in the automotive and aviation industries due to their strength, resistance to external factors, and increased thermal conductivity, suggesting their potential for producing materials that effectively dissipate heat.

Keywords

• epoxy resin
• copper particle size
• polymer matrix composite materials
• mechanical properties
• ageing