Improved mechanical properties of epoxy reinforced by low content nanodiamond powder

Nanodiamond powder (NDP) was dispersed in epoxy resin with low content by means of a high powerful ultrasonic liquid processor and then mixed with curing agent using a high-speed mechanical agitator. The good dispersion of NDP in epoxy could be observed. The mechanical properties of the NDP/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. It was found that with a NDP content of only 0.3 wt%, the Vicker's hardness, tensile strength and tensile modulus of the NDP/epoxy nanocomposites were 24.7%, 52.7% and 54.2% higher than that of pure epoxy, respectively. The significant improvement of the mechanical properties of the NDP/epoxy nanocomposites could be attributed to the good dispersion of the NDP in the epoxy matrix and grafting of epoxy to NDP by an esterification reaction.

► Nanodiamond powder/epoxy composites have been successfully produced.
► A high degree of nanodiamond dispersion in epoxy can be achieved.
► Significant increases of the Vicker's hardness and tensile properties were obtained.
► Nanodiamond powder provided an efficient interaction with epoxy.