Abstract
The effect of the content of microsilica and nanosilica continuously modified with hydroxy silane and epoxy-modified silicone in cycloaliphatic epoxy/microsilica/nanosilica composites (EMNCs) on the mechanical and water repellent properties was evaluated. Surface-modified micro- and nanosilica was well-mixed with a cycloaliphatic epoxy resin in the presence of polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane (PEM-PDMS) as a dispersing agent using an ultrasonicator. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out using a universal testing machine (UTM). The water repellent property was evaluated by contact angle measurements of water on the composite surface. Tensile strength of the composite could be enhanced by 32.2% up to 91.4 MPa, and the flexural strength was raised to 122.0 MPa, which is 38.8% higher than that of neat epoxy. The contact angle of water on the composite was as high as $104.1^{\circ}$.