Epoxy composites containing a total of 1 wt% silica, alumina and carbon black at 1:1, 1:4 and 4:1 ratios, with surface-treated fillers, showed up to an 18°C rise in glass-transition temperature and a 22-42°C rise in the 5% degradation temperature. These remain laboratory-coupon results.
Key findings
- Tg rose by up to 18°C and T5% by 22-42°C with higher char residue. SEM showed rougher fractures, fewer microvoids, crack deflection and improved adhesion. CB-Al2O3 led flexural/thermal outcomes, whereas CB-SiO2 favoured indentation and viscoelastic stability.
Why this matters globally
Low loading with interface engineering may preserve processability and weight better than heavy filler addition, offering a formulation strategy for structural and thermally demanding components.
Thai researcher contribution
KMUTNB researchers joined Indian institutions in composite-material research linking polymer expertise with engineering applications.
Limitations to consider
Replicate counts, variation and complete statistics are not stated. Fatigue, long-term impact, humidity, UV, flammability, thermal conductivity and full-scale processing were not established. Claimed scalability lacks pilot manufacturing and cost or environmental analysis.