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Published on: February 20, 2019
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Advanced Epoxy Polymer Composite Design: Maximizing Fracture Toughness and Piezoelectric Effect with Core-Shell
Miray Yasar1,2, Berran Sanay3, Cormac Duffy3
1University College Dublin, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Dublin 4, Ireland.
ACS Omega
|October 13, 2025
Summary
This study enhanced epoxy composites with core-shell rubber (CSR) and barium titanate (BaTiO3). Adding 5% CSR significantly boosted fracture energy, while 15% CSR yielded the highest piezoelectric voltage output.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Epoxy resins are versatile thermoset polymers crucial in various industries.
- Tailoring epoxy composite properties is essential for advanced applications.
- Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is a key material for piezoelectric applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of core-shell rubber (CSR) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) on epoxy composite properties.
- To optimize the thermal, mechanical, and piezoelectric behavior of epoxy composites.
- To determine the optimal CSR fraction for enhanced fracture toughness and piezoelectric response.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of epoxy composites with varying CSR fractions (0-25 wt%) and fixed BaTiO3 (20 wt%).
- Mechanical testing: tensile, single lap shear, T-Peel strength, fracture toughness, and fracture energy (single-edge notched bend test).
- Thermal-mechanical analysis using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and piezoelectric voltage output testing.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in fracture energy from 465 to 2213 J/m² was observed with 5 wt% CSR.
- The highest open circuit voltage output of 1.85 V was achieved with 15 wt% CSR.
- CSR and BaTiO3 additives effectively modified the mechanical, thermal, and piezoelectric characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Core-shell rubber (CSR) is an effective toughening agent for epoxy composites.
- Barium titanate (BaTiO3) incorporation enhances piezoelectric properties.
- The study successfully tailored epoxy composites for improved mechanical strength and piezoelectric performance.
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