High-speed impact and mechanical strength of ZrO2/polycarbonate nanocomposite

This study empirically investigates the mechanical strength and high-speed impact resistance of polycarbonate matrix reinforced with different amounts of nano-ZrO2. In order to enhance the mechanical strength of polycarbonate, especially the impact resistance, the nanoparticles were added to polycarbonate matrix as filler with the ratios of 1, 2, 3 and 5% of the composite's total weight. Transmission electron microscope was utilized for the observation of microscopic structure of the composites, and it revealed an exceptional homogeneous mixture of ZrO2 particles in the polycarbonate matrix. From the results of the tests, it was figured out that adding 1-3wt% of nano-ZrO2 into polycarbonate remarkably increased the impact resistance of the composite. The results also showed that adding 1 and 2wt% of nano-ZrO2 to polycarbonate had the most desirable effects on the enhancement of tensile, bending and buckling strength; however, the composites with 3wt% of nano-ZrO2 had the greatest Izod impact and high-velocity impact resistance. Finally for the impact tests, it was revealed that adding large amounts of nano-ZrO2 (more than 3wt%) would decrease the mechanical strength of ZrO2/polycarbonate nanocomposite specimens; thus, the fracture occurred, while less energy was absorbed compared with the neat polymer.