NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS FOR ENHANCED MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Nanostructured materials have emerged as highly promising candidates for advanced engineering applications due to their exceptional ability to improve both mechanical and thermal performance at relatively low reinforcement levels. This study investigates the effect of nanoscale fillers, including silica nanoparticles (SiO₂), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene nanosheets, on the structural and thermal behavior of epoxy-based composite materials. Five composite samples with different filler types and weight fractions were fabricated using a controlled mixing, sonication, and thermal curing process. Comprehensive characterization was performed through tensile strength, hardness, impact resistance, Young’s modulus, thermal conductivity, and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were employed to evaluate filler dispersion, interfacial bonding, and crystallographic stability. The results revealed significant enhancement in tensile strength, hardness, stiffness, and thermal conductivity with the incorporation of nanostructured reinforcements. Among all samples, graphene-reinforced composites demonstrated the highest overall performance, showing superior load transfer efficiency and heat dissipation capability. The findings confirm that nanostructured fillers provide an effective route for developing multifunctional high-performance composites suitable for aerospace, automotive, thermal management, and advanced structural engineering applications.