Mechanical Properties of Novolac Type Phenolic/Alumina Nanocomposite

It is well established that polymer nanocomposites show excellent mechanical, physical, thermal and barrier properties at low filler contents compared to conventional composites[1]. Novolac type phenolic (PF) is widely used as a binder in friction materials, because of its excellent ablative property,structural integrity, thermal stability, and solvent resistance. Alumina (Al2O3) is one of the most attractive engineering ceramics that have found many applications in various industries. It is widely used as a catalyst support, refractories and abrasives, because of its interesting chemical, mechanical,and thermal properties [2]. In the present work, the effect of nanoalumina on the mechanical properties of novolac type PF is examined. The used method for fabrication of PF/alumina nanocomposite is solution mixing.