Effect of water absorption on some mechanical and physical properties of epoxy/polyurethane blend reinforced with nano silica powder

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate some mechanical and physical properties (i.e. the impact strength, hardness, flexural strength, thermal conductivity and diffusion coefficient) of (epoxy/polyurethane) blend reinforced with nano silica powder (2% wt.). Hand lay-up technique was used to manufacture the composite and a magnetic stirrer for blending the components. Results showed that water had affected the bending flexural strength and hardness, while impact strength increased and thermal conductivity decreased. In addition to the above mentioned tests, the diffusion coefficient was calculated using Fick’s 2nd law.

Keywords

• Hand lay-up, nano SiO2, diffusion coefficient, flexural strength, Fick’s 2nd law.