EFFECTS OF COUPLING AGENTS ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES IMPROVEMENT OF THE TIO2 REINFORCED EPOXY SYSTEM

A study was carried out to investigate the effects of different coupli ng agents on the mechanical properties of the TiO2 particulate filled epoxy composite. Composites prepared by dispersing TiO2 coated with a silane coupling agent were compared with titanate coupling agent coate d TiO2 dispersed composites. Young's modulus and flexural strength of titanate coupling agent treated composites were significantly improved compared to silane coupling agent treated composites. It was suggeste d that a strong interfacial bonding between the filler and the matrix existed when the titanate coupling agent was used and was explained by the adhesion model. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed a b etter dispersion of surface modified filler particles and a strong adh esion/bonding between the filler and the matrix.