Effects of silane surfactant on Nano-ZnO and rheology properties of nano-ZnO/epoxy on the UV absorbability of nano-ZnO/epoxy/micron-HGF composite

Nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO)/epoxy filled micron-hollow glass fibres (micron-HGFs) epoxy composite is opening up a new configuration for fibre reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) with enhanced ultraviolet (UV) resistibility. ZnO nanoparticles having intrinsic UV absorbability were introduced into epoxy and nano-ZnO/epoxy was filled into 100 μm HGF by using vacuum infiltration technique. 4 wt.% 100 nm ZnO/epoxy/100 μm HGF epoxy composite was found to have the highest UV absorbability among other samples. The silane surfactant on ZnO nanoparticle (NP) was evaluated and the rheology of nanofluid (NF) was investigated for the UV absorbability of nanocomposite (NC), which the two parameters determine the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles and the polymerization shrinkage of nanocomposite. An optimum concentration and good dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles are aimed to be achieved in order to maximize the UV absorbability of nano-ZnO/epoxy/micron-HGF epoxy composite. The silane surfactant on ZnO nanoparticle was found to be ineffective for UV absorption.