Investigations into surface erosion characteristics and thermal stability of epoxy-based ZnO nanocomposites
by Mihir N. Velani; Ritesh R. Patel
International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation (IJMATEI), Vol. 15, No. 1, 2024

Abstract: The study examines the surface erosion characteristics and thermal stability of epoxy-based ZnO nanocomposites in various configurations. These include the effect of filler loading, co-loading of nano-micro fillers, and the synthesis process. The surface erosion experiments were conducted as per IEC60112, and the results were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried to determine the materials' thermal stability. It was observed that with the high filler contents, ZnO nanocomposites offered smaller craters and discontinuous conducting channels, impeding the bulk erosion of epoxy. In addition, the composite exhibited stronger interphase with the epoxy matrix delaying thermal degradation at lower temperatures. The co-loading of nano-micro fillers reduced the mobility of epoxy resins and resulted in superior discharge resistance and thermal stability than the micro composite. The nanocomposite synthesised with heated ZnO particles in a solvent-free approach showed thermal decomposition beyond 250°C, which was superior among all.

Online publication date: Mon, 25-Mar-2024

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