Semester Award Granted
Summer 2025
Submission Date
August 2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Hassan Mahfuz
Abstract
Countertop epoxy is a popular material for kitchen, bar, and commercial surfaces because of its glossy outlook, heat resistance, and longevity. However, its performance under severe conditions is hampered by its low thermal stability and intrinsic brittleness. The goal of this investigation is to improve tabletop epoxy's mechanical and thermal characteristics by adding zirconia (ZrO₂) nanoparticles. Expanding upon earlier tests with different fillers, 2 wt% Mg₂Al(OH)₆(CO₃)₀.₅·nH₂O (LDH) nanoparticles initially showed moderate performance improvement. However, comparative analysis revealed that ZrO₂ outperformed LDH across most key metrics. Comprehensive testing—including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), tensile, flexural, and impact analyses— demonstrated that 2 wt% ZrO₂ increased the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 56 °C to 70 °C, indicating a 25% gain in thermal stability. Meanwhile, 1 wt% ZrO₂ yielded the highest mechanical enhancement, with a 70% increase in flexural modulus and significant improvements in tensile strength and impact resistance. To further explore synergistic effects, a hybrid nanofiller system was synthesized by combining 1 wt% ZrO₂ with 0.5 wt% LDH in a 2:1 ratio (1.5 wt%). Although this hybrid configuration was anticipated to balance toughness and thermal stability, the results demonstrated otherwise. The hybrid composite showed a 27% decrease in tensile strength and a 54% reduction in Young’s modulus compared to neat epoxy, indicating that the combination did not yield favorable reinforcement. Although the blended composite showed a few gains, it was not able to outperform ZrO₂ alone. According to these results, it is evident that 1 wt% ZrO₂ is a very efficient reinforcement material that provides an excellent balance between mechanical and thermal endurance for countertop epoxy. In addition, the nanocomposites significantly increase the glossiness.
Recommended Citation
Rahman, Fariha Binthe, "ENHANCING THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COUNTERTOP EPOXY THROUGH 𝑍𝑟𝑂2 NANOPARTICLE REINFORCEMENT" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 140.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/140