Selected technical ceramics as nanoreinforcement for polyvinyl butyral/epoxy polymer composites

Abstract

In this study, various technical ceramics in the form of nanostructures, known for their exceptional mechanical properties and thermal resistance, were analysed as potential reinforcement of a polymer matrix system. A combined, hybrid composite matrix was considered, consisting of epoxy resin and polyvinyl butyral. The following nanostructures were incorporated into the polymer matrix by ultrasonication and solvent-casting technique: B4C, TiB2, CNT and INT-WS2. Polymer composites were prepared by solvent-casting of neat hybrid polymer matrix and polymer matrix reinforcing with each chosen individual nanostructure from a temporary solvent – ethanol. The characterisation of the obtained polymer composite samples encompassed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test, hardness measurement and examination of resistance to cavitation wear.