Investigation of the effect of ultrasonic waves on physical and mechanical properties of epoxy resin

One of the biggest challenges in the manufacturing process of nanocomposites is the dispersion of nanoparticles into the matrix material, only well dispersed nanoparticles can lead to unique new properties of the composite such as simultaneous improvement of toughness and stiffness. One of the techniques for dispersion of the particles in a liquid is application of ultrasonic waves. In the present study ultrasonic waves generated by an ultrasonic horn were used, Epoxy resin (Araldite LY564) was sonicated for 1 hr, then hardener (Aradur HY 560) was added to the resin and casted. After machining the specimens, physical and mechanical properties of the samples (neat Epoxy and sonicated Epoxy) were investigated. FT-IR analysis was used to study the ultrasonic effects on resin construction. Mechanical results indicated that ultrasonic waves increased tensile modulus by 4% and tensile strength by 6% , also flexural modulus and strength were increased by 5% due to homogenization of resin and sono-chemical effects of ultrasonic waves. Also FT-IR results on epoxy resin (part A) before and after sonication indicated that sonication has not changed the resin chemical structure due to cooling during sonication

Keywords:

Ultrasonic , Epoxy , Nanocomposite , Mechanical Properties , Cavitation