Mechanical properties of epoxy resin toughened with cornstarch

Abstract We investigated the effect of starch modification on mechanical properties phenolic epoxy resin (EP). Corn admixture 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt% were added into EP. The tensile strength, elongation at break, elastic modulus different corn contents compared. containing showed a positive toughness but little strength when additive content was less than wt%. increased first then decreased with increase in reached their maximum values 2.5 enhancement might be due to starch’s properties, dispersibility, interfacial interaction. With content, granules quickly contact each other, causing self-aggregation sedimentation decrease modulus. scanning electron micrographs toughened EP specimens ductile failure because particles. surface morphology blend full staggered stepped cracks caused by shearing damage, which is shown obvious plastic fracture characteristics deformation ability. initiation micro-cracks matrix induced incorporation particles, localized shear damage matrix. More energy would absorbed during this process, enhanced. It recommended that best should obtain excellent good toughness.