Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Abenojar, J.
• Martínez, M. A.
• Velasco, F.
• Pascual-Sánchez, V.
• Martín-Martínez, J. M.

Titel

Effect of Boron Carbide Filler on the Curing and Mechanical Properties of an Epoxy Resin

Ist Teil von

• The Journal of adhesion, 2009-05, Vol.85 (4-5), p.216-238

Ort / Verlag

Colchester: Taylor & Francis Group

Erscheinungsjahr

2009

Quelle

Taylor & Francis

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• The curing process, wear behavior, and mechanical properties of an epoxy adhesive filled with boron carbide (B 4 C) were studied. Two different particle sizes and amount of reinforcing B 4 C were tested. One advantage of using B 4 C is its ability to absorb neutrons, a property of great importance in the nuclear industry. Gel time and degree of curing were measured to evaluate the effect of adding B 4 C to the epoxy resin. The chemical structure was studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the B 4 C distribution was analyzed by laser confocal microscopy. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) tests were also carried out to monitor the viscoelastic properties and the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the cured reinforced epoxy. The wear resistance against alumina was measured using a pin-on-disc test, evaluated as mass loss. The wear tracks were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The bending strength was also studied to assess the degree of interaction between the B 4 C and the matrix. The results showed that the reinforced epoxy with B 4 C was very abrasive, wearing the alumina. The reinforced epoxy had excellent mechanical properties that increased with B 4 C content and with small particles. Moreover, the T g value decreased slightly upon B 4 C addition.