Preparation, Modeling, and Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Epoxy/HIPS/Silica Hybrid Nanocomposite Using Combination of Central Composite Design and Genetic Algorithm. Part 1. Study of Damping and Tensile Strengths

• Main Authors: Rostamiyan, Y., Fereidoon, A.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Інститут проблем міцності ім. Г.С. Писаренко НАН України 2013
• Series: Проблемы прочности
• Subjects: Научно-технический раздел
• Online Access: http://dspace.nbuv.gov.ua/handle/123456789/112651

Brittle nature and poor resistance in front of vibrational waves despite of good mechanical strength have limited widespread use of epoxy resins in industry. In current study a new combination of thermoplastic and particulate nanofiller is used as modifier to enhance simultaneously tensile strengths and damping properties in first and second modes of epoxy-based nanocomposite. High impact polystyrene (HIPS) as thermoplastic phase and silica nanoparticles as particulate phases incorporately used to obtain ternary epoxy-based nanocomposite. In current study solution blending as dispersion mechanism is used to prepare homogenous mixture and brings good molecular level of mixing. Tensile and damping properties in first and second modes were the two different mechanical tests investigated in order to achieve higher toughness strengths without attenuating desired mechanical properties. Also central composite design is employed to present mathematical models for predict mechanical behaviors of epoxy/HIPS/silica nanocomposite as function of physical factors. The effective parameters investigated were HIPS, SiO₂, and hardener contents. Based on mathematical functions obtained from central composite design model, the genetic algorithm as one of powerful optimization tools is applied to find optimum values of mentioned mechanical properties. From the results it can be found that combination of HIPS and silica nanoparticles significantly increased tensile and damping strengths of epoxy resin up to 69, 42, and 91%, respectively. The morphology of fracture surface is also studied by scanning electron microscopy