Influence of Nano‐Calcium Carbonate Particles on the Moisture Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposite

The moisture absorption and diffusion characteristics of epoxy-based nanocomposites containing nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) are investigated. Although the moisture absorption decreased with increasing nano-CaCO3 content except for 8 wt%, the moisture absorption and diffusion behaviors were different from each other. It was found that the incorporation of 2 wt% and 4 wt% nano-CaCO3 decreased moisture absorption capacity effectively. This is due to the more uniform distribution of nano-CaCO3 particles, which created a longer diffusion path of moisture molecules in the nanocomposites. For the diffusion rate of moisture, there is no significant change observed on adding nano-CaCO3. The effect of moisture absorption on the mechanical properties of nano-CaCO3-filled epoxy nanocomposites were investigated as a functional property of nano-CaCO3 content. Due to moisture absorption, the flexural strength of epoxy/nano-CaCO3 composites significantly impaired when compared to dry nanocomposites. However, the effect of nano-CaCO3 on these mechanical properties was found to be positive, which allows the application of modified epoxy resin in high-humidity environments.