Author: Monika Kuster, Zoran Samardzija, Matej Komelj, Miroslav Huskic, Marko Beck, Gaë l Pierson, Richard Kuitat-Njiwa, Jean-Marie Dubois, Saso Sturm
Institute: Jozsef Stefan Institute, Department of Nanostructured Materials, Djamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Jozsef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Djamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, Faculty of Polymer Technology, Slovenj Hradec, Ozare 19, 2380 Slovenj Hradec, Slovenia, Faculty of Industry and Materials Science, Chalmers University of Technology, Rannvegen 2A, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden, Institut Jean Lamour, Université de Lorraine, 2 allée André Guinier, 54011 Nancy, FranceDepartment of Geology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Polymer composites are materials that include a polymer matrix and reinforcing fillers that increase their mechanical properties. However, to achieve higher performance, it is necessary to explore new reinforcing components. Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the use of quasicrystalline al-cu-fe particles as such fillers.
To conduct the study, we used a polymer matrix based on epoxy resins and added quasicrystalline al-cu-fe particles to it in different concentrations, varying them from 2% to 10% by weight. We then carried out a set of analytical methods to study the effect of these particles on the surface of the composite and its mechanical properties.
Analysis of the surface properties of the composite showed significant interaction between the quasicrystalline al-cu-fe particles and the polymer matrix. A regular lattice of crystalline structures is formed on the surface of the composite, which promotes better adhesion between the matrix and the filler. This interaction significantly increases the mechanical strength of the composite.
Further analysis allowed us to study the mechanical properties of the composite with different concentrations of quasicrystalline particles. It was found that as the al-cu-fe particle content increased, the strength of the composite increased significantly. This is due to the high rigidity of the quasicrystalline particles, which affects the impact resistance and thermal stability of the composite.
This work allowed us to investigate the effect of quasicrystalline al-cu-fe particles on the surface of a polymer matrix composite and its mechanical properties. It was found that these particles are able to interact with the matrix, forming a regular lattice on the surface of the composite. This leads to improved adhesion and therefore improved mechanical properties of the composite. In addition, increasing the content of al-cu-fe particles leads to an increase in the strength of the composite. Thus, quasicrystalline particles are a promising reinforcing filler for polymer composites, opening up new opportunities for the creation of modern and high-strength materials.