Interfacial toughness properties of trifunctional epoxy resins/calcium carbonate nanocomposites

In this study, the mechanical interfacial properties of trifunctional epoxy resin triglycidyl paraaminophenol (TGPAP)/CaCO3 nanocomposites were studied by means of fracture toughness and impact strength testing, and subsequently, their morphology was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The fracture toughness and impact strength of the TGPAP/CaCO3 nanocomposites were found to have been significantly increased by the addition of nano-CaCO3. The nanocomposites also showed a higher flexural strength than that of the neat epoxy system. Notably too, when the nano-CaCO3 content was increased, the elastic modulus of the nanocomposites did not appreciably change. The SEM micrographs showed that CaCO3 particle–epoxy debonding had occurred to prevent deformation and crack propagation in the TGPAP/CaCO3 nanocomposites.