Optimization of nanofiller compositions for enhancing thermo-mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites through the application of response surface methodology with central composite design

Abstract

An epoxy based composite of modified halloysite nanotubes (A) and modified fly ash (B) with improved thermo mechanical and morphological properties has been successfully fabricated. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the factors (composition of A and B) that significantly affect the properties of nanocomposites and to find out the best optimize values of these factors using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Central Composite Design(CCD). The enhancement of 80 percent in the tensile strength, nearly 240 percent of flexural strength, and nearly 166 percent in impact strength has been achieved at the optimal composition of A and B. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis in the present study highlight the importance of achieving proper dispersion and interaction with the polymer matrix in order to address issues like HNT aggregation. The efficient dispersion of A (3 wt%) and B (6 wt%) in the polymer is confirmed by SEM studies. In addition the TGA graph shows good thermal stability at 340 °C.