Effect of surface modification on mechanical performances of alumina-dispersed epoxy composites

The homogeneity and mechanical properties of alumina filled epoxy composites with particle volume fractions of 20%, 35% and 40% were investigated. The as-received particles and particles modified with silane coupling agent were used in the comparison test. The results show that the surface modified particles lead to great improvement in homogeneity, tensile strength and elastic modulus. Moreover, the modification of the surface activity of particles reduces the filler-filler interaction and improves the adhesion of filler-epoxy resin, achieving high dispersion of the modified alumina in the resin matrix. Scanning electron microscope was employed to illustrate the interface bonding and particle distribution in epoxy resin.