Tensile, flexural and impact properties of ultrasmall TiO2 nanotubes reinforced epoxy composites

Ultrasmall TiO2 nanotubes (TiO2NTs) of the length ~250±20 nm and diameter ~20 nm are synthesized and TiO2NT reinforced (0.1 wt.%) epoxy composites are fabricated. The reinforcing effects are studied by means of tensile, flexural, and impact tests as per ASTM standards. TEM and XRD characterization techniques are used in this study. It is observed that TiO2NTs greatly enhanced the tensile strength by 85%, elongation by 7%, flexural strength by 55%, and the impact strength by 8%. The mechanical properties of the epoxy nanocomposites indicate that TiO2NTs are efficient fillers to enhance the performance of epoxy composites.