Verification of Utilizing Nanowaste (Glass Waste and Fly Ash) as an Alternative to Nanosilica in Epoxy

Silica is considered one of the most prevalent components in the Earth’s shell and is synthesized for use in technological applications. Nevertheless, new methods for finding a better, cheaper, and more ecologically friendly supply of silica with less energy consumption are unavoidable. This study investigates whether nanopowders made from waste with a great silica amount (fly ash and glass) can be utilized as fillers in an epoxy glue to enhance its characteristics. Four different contents (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) of nano–fly ash, nanoglass, and nanosilica powder were introduced into the samples. Fourier transform infrared analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, viscosity testing, and microhardness testing were conducted for nanoglass/epoxy and nano–fly ash/epoxy samples, which were compared with the silica/epoxy samples. Results indicated that the nanoglass and nano–fly ash powder have the same impact as nanosilica on the characteristics of epoxy. The hardness and viscosity of epoxy increased with the increase in the added filler. At 20 wt%, the hardness value of the nanoglass/epoxy composites was greater than that of the nanosilica/epoxy and fly ash/epoxy composites by about 15% and 7%, respectively. The results also indicated that the highest viscosity values were obtained when using nano–fly ash powder of 20 wt%. Furthermore, the modification of the epoxy by the nanoparticles had no significant effect on the values of the glass transition temperatures.