Analysis of Side Wall Crack Arrester in Buildings Using Polymeric Nanocomposites

The objective of our project is to development of high strength and fast setting in side wall crack arrester using polymeric nanocomposites. Epoxy and nano clay used as the matrix and reinforcement for this application. Epoxy is used due to its mechanical properties such as low shrinkage during curing, high strength, excellent adhesion to several substrate. Epoxy and hardener mixed in a different ratio for its fast-setting time. Cloisite 15 A nano clay is used as reinforcement in the epoxy to arrest cracks. This is added because of it increase the bonding and also reduces the pores when curing. Composition and methodology used are, the clay is heated in a furnace at 80 ºC and mixed in the epoxy with constant stirring. The mixture is then kept in ultrasonication. Different composition of clay is mixed with epoxy and applied in crack surface and left for curing. The crack is then tested using ultrasonic flaw detector, the test is performed using speed of soundwaves travelled from transmitter and receiver. Addition of nano clay in epoxy arrested cracks, increase in addition of nano clay increased the strength of the side wall till a weight percent.