Free-volume properties of epoxy composites and its relation to macrostructure properties

Some characteristics of epoxy composites are discussed based on the results of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), electrical and mechanical measurements. The effect of different types and wt% of fillers such as aluminium oxide (Al 2O 3), titanium oxide (TiO 2) and silicon carbide (SiC) on the epoxy structure and hence free volume, physical, electrical, and mechanical properties is presented. The results showed that the electrical properties are improved at high wt% of filler, while mechanical properties are improved at low wt% of filler. Furthermore, a similar trend is observed for all fillers but with a systematic shift to high influence when Sic added to cured epoxy. On the other hand, adding SiC as a filler on epoxy improved the resistance to water absorption. The role of PALS as a sensitive probe for changes in microstructure of epoxy composites is confirmed during the correlation between the free-volume parameters and the other measurements.