The effect of gamma rays and stearic acid on calcium carbonate and its impact on the properties of epoxy-based composites

The purpose of this research is to produce composites of epoxy resin and calcium carbonate (EP/CaCO${}_3$) and investigate how treating the CaCO${}_3$ filler with stearic acid and gamma radiation affects the properties of the epoxy composites, enhancing their suitability for a range of applications. The CaCO${}_3$ powder was subjected to stearic acid treatment and later exposed to γ-radiation at various doses namely (10, 20 and 30 kGy), Different weight percentages of untreated and treated CaCO${}_3$ powder were added to epoxy resin (EP) to create EP/CaCO${}_3$ composites loaded with varying amounts of CaCO${}_3$ filler (5 %, 10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 %). The influence of both stearic acid treatment and different doses of gamma radiation on CaCO${}_3$ was investigated. The composites were subjected to characterization of various properties including mechanical (splitting tensile strength, impact strength), thermal (TGA and dimensional thermal analysis) as well as morphological SEM examination. The analysis' findings demonstrated that the stearic acid monolayer functions as a coupling agent in the EP matrix and can coat CaCO${}_3$ particles efficiently. The modification of CaCO${}_3$ by stearic acid and exposure to 30 kGy of gamma radiation shows a notable improvement in thermal stability and mechanical qualities for the epoxy composites loaded with various CaCO${}_3$ concentrations.