Physical Properties of an Epoxy Composite Modified by C60 Fullerenes

The physical properties of an epoxy resin doped with C60 fullerenes at concentrations from 0.02 to 1 wt. % have been investigated by the methods of computer modeling and full-scale experiments. A percolation model of the fullerene-filled epoxy resin is proposed. The main result of the computer modeling is the critical concentration of fullerene in the epoxy at which the material changes its properties. This concentration corresponds to the percolation threshold. In full-scale experiments, the Young’s modulus and refraction index of material were determined. The identical nonmonotonic behavior of the Young’s modulus and refraction index at a maximum fullerenes concentration of 0.153 wt.% is revealed. On further increasing the concentration, the properties of the material returned to the initial ones. The relation between material properties and the average size and power of percolation cluster is determined.