Effect of Nanoalumina on the Tribology Performance of C4-Ether-Linked Bismaleimide-Toughened Epoxy Nanocomposites

In the present investigation, C4-ether-linked bismaleimide-toughened epoxy-reinforced alumina nanocomposites were formulated. The silane-functionalized nanoparticles are covalently connected to the matrix through the reaction between epoxide groups during curing, and as a consequence, the interfacial interaction between the alumina nanoparticle and matrix was enhanced. The T g increased with the addition of alumina nanoparticles up to 5 wt% beyond which the T g decreased due to phase segregation. The nanoindentation studies revealed that the hardness and the elastic modulus of the nanocomposites had increased with the filler concentration up to 5 wt% beyond which it showed a decreasing trend. The wear performance of the hybrid nanocomposite was significantly lower than those of the epoxy nanocomposite. The nanocomposites with 5 wt% Al 2 O 3 showed greatest improvement in wear resistance compared to higher alumina concentration, and the key factor riding the wear resistance is due to positive rolling effect phenomenon.