Morphology and Properties of Phenolic Resin/Silica Nanocomposites
Haraguchi Kazutoshi; Usami Yusho; Matsumoto Hiroomi
Abstract:Very uniform nanocomposite materials (PHS NCs) were prepared by in situ polymerization of silicon alkoxide in a phenolic resin matrix. The transparency and morphology of the PHS NCs could be varied by controlling the resulting silica size. SEM and TEM observations reveal that the PHS NC shows a distinct fine morphology which is very different from that of conventional phenolic resin/silica glass composite. The PHS NC exhibits excellent mechanical improvements in modulus, strength, strain at break and impact strength. It was found that the PHS NC did not show noticeable hysteresis nor acoustic emission before the fracture in the flexural test, which is different from that of the conventional glass fiber reinforced composite. The PHS NC also exhibit high surface hardness and smooth fracture surface. Furthermore, the tribological properties such as friction and wear characteristics are improved in the PHS NC by incorporation of in situ polymerized silica in phenolic resin matrix. Key Words:nanocomposites, hybrids, phenolic resin, silica, morphology, transparency, mechanical properties, friction and wear, surface hardness