Transformation of Natural Graphite to Ball-Milled Graphitic Nanoparticles (BMG) Featuring for Functionalization and Its Compatibility to Epoxy Network

This study explores the possibility of enhancement of epoxy nanocomposite properties by integrating functionalized graphitic nanoparticles (BMGs). While popular in engineering, epoxy-based systems often suffer from low fracture toughness, limiting their applicability. To address this, the study investigates the effectiveness of functionalized BMGs with sizing effect in improving the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites. Dry ball milling for 15 and 48 h yielded significant particle size reduction in BMG. Intriguingly, a comparable reduction in particle size (~258 nm) was achieved through wet ball milling BMG for 3 h. These graphitic nanoparticles underwent silanization to synthesize SBMG@3, potentially integrating into the epoxy network. Results suggest that SBMG@3 exhibits promising potential to establish connections within the epoxy network, enhancing fracture toughness and energy in epoxy-based composites. This breakthrough could widen the scope of these composites for diverse industrial applications.