Effect of Mixing Technique on Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites Filled Fly Ash Based Geopolymer to Compressive Properties
The effects of mixing approach on compressive, flexural, water absorption properties and morphology of the epoxy nanocomposites incorporating 0 and 3 wt% fly ash-based geopolymer were investigated. The mechanical stirrer with two different type of propeller; four blade (type A) and dissolver (type B) was used to blend the epoxy with the nanoclay and the fly ash-based geopolymer filler. It was found that the epoxy nanocomposite prepared using dissolver propeller (type B) performed higher compressive strength and higher flexural strength as compared to the one prepared using four blade propeller (type A). We postulate that this was due to an improved mixing efficiency and dispersion quality as observed through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).