Effect of inorganic–organic interface adhesion on mechanical properties of Al2O3/polymer laminate composites

Abstract Al2O3/polymer laminate composites were studied by using different surface treatment techniques and different resins. The silane coupling agent TEVS (triethoxyvinylsilane: CH2CHSi(OC2H5)3) was used to enhance the inorganic–organic interface adhesion. The inorganic-organic interface shear strength, the flexural strength, and the work of fracture of the laminate composites were measured through tensile test and three-point bending test. The morphology of inorganic surface and crack propagation was examined by SEM and AFM. The relationship between inorganic-organic interface shear strength and the work of fracture of the laminate composites was investigated. The experimental results suggest that the toughness of the laminate composites related closely to surface status of the matrix, couping agent, and resin. The maximum value of the work of fracture of the laminate composites was 6.1 times that of monolithic alumina. The work of fracture of the laminate composites, which alumina matrices were coated with a layer of epoxy vinyl ester resin (UPR 3201), increased gradually with increasing the interface shear strength. The work of fracture of the laminate composites, on which alumina matrices were coated with a layer of toughened epoxy vinyl ester resin (T-UPR 3201), decreased greatly as the interface shear strength increased.