The effect of tungsten carbide nanoparticles on the morphological, mechanical and tribological properties of WC/epoxy and WC/TBCP/epoxy nanocomposite

Purpose: The paper reported on the effect of a polyethylene glycol-block-polypropylene glycol-block-polyethylene glycol (EO-PPO-EO) triblock copolymer (TBCP) on phase separation, mechanical properties of epoxy based on bisphenol F-(epichlorohydrin) and hardener (1-methylethyl-1,1'-biphenyl) (izoforon diamine) system and effect of a tungsten carbide (WC) reinforced two of WC/epoxy resin and WC /triblock (TBCP)/epoxy nanocomposites. Design/methodology/approach: In the work, TBCP content was used at 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% wt. for epoxy matrix. The optimal TBCP concentration was discovered to be 3% wt. in order to produce a good balance of mechanical characteristics. The comparative study of morphology and mechanical properties of two systems, tungsten carbide (WC) reinforced epoxy resin and WC /triblock (TBCP) /epoxy nanocomposites, has been examined. WC was added to two systems in three different weight proportions (1%, 2% and 3%). Specimens were fabricated by hand layup technique by pouring epoxy resin and reinforcement mixture into silicon moulds. Findings: The addition of nanoparticles did not affect the miscibility of the copolymer on the resin. Tensile, impact and wear tests were performed to ASTM standards. From the results, it was observed that WC reinforcement in epoxy resin results in high tensile strength and modulus and also increases impact strength and wear resistance compared to neat epoxy. Practical implications: Several spherical formations concerning phase separation and the creation of immiscible TBCP structures in the epoxy matrix are seen. Originality/value: The tests proved that epoxy nanocomposite with TBCP and WC as filler demonstrated that the nanoparticles utilised with block copolymers do not affect the distribution of the copolymer in the matrix, suggesting enhancing the nanoparticle's adherence to the matrix were characterised by the best tribological properties and mechanical properties, which was unchanged or better than the epoxy resin used as a matrix.