Mechanical properties of epoxy matrix composites toughened by liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR)

Abstract

Epoxy matrix widely used in polymer composites as a reinforcement material due to its outstanding performance. Epoxy matrix exhibit good mechanical and thermal properties such as good stiffness, dimensional stability and high heat distortion temperature. However, it is known that epoxy had brittleness and exhibit low toughness. This study investigates the mechanical properties of brittle epoxy resin when modified by liquid epoxidized natural rubber for toughening purposes. Liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) was introduced to the epoxy with five different loadings of 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% by weight. The mechanical strength (flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, tensile modulus and impact strength) of the rubber toughened epoxy composites were investigated. The results showed that the addition of liquid epoxidized natural rubber(LENR) had improved the flexural modulus, flexural strength and impact strength by 47%, 40%, and 22% respectivelyat 3% loading.