(391f) Epoxy Nanocomposites Reinforced with Nanofiller in Various Types

Epoxy polymer nanocomposite (PNCs) were systematically studied with different types of nanofillers, including polypyrrole nanofibers and nanospheres, ferrite nanospheres, carbon coated iron (Fe@C) nanospheres, graphene nanosheets and graphene nanosheets decorated with core-shell nanoparticles have been fabricated. Rheology properties of the liquid uncured nanosuspensions were studied and the reduced viscosity observed in the uncured liquid samples was attributed to the interaction between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix, and the nanofillers were found to favor the disentanglement of the polymer chain. The mechanical property study of the cured solid samples indicated that at lower loading nanofiller displayed a stress releasing function and led to increased tensile strength of the PNCs. Meanwhile, thermo-mechanical properties including storage and loss modulii, glass transition temperature were evaluated with the free volume change in the PNCs. The residual heat obtained in the DSC test was applied to explore the effect of particles loading on the curing extent of the PNCs. The dielectric property study indicated that the interfacial polarization in the PNCs depends on the specific surface area of the nanofiller. Electrical conductivity studied indicated that the nanofiller with high aspect ratio can form network structure more easily and lead to the percolation behavior show in lower loading. Finally, the thermal stability and heat release rate study of the PNCs revealed that all the nanofillers applied would promote the char formation of the epoxy matrix and led to reduced flammability.