Effect of carbon nanofiber (CNF) silanization on the properties of CNF/epoxy nanocomposites

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were functionalized by a multistage process including oxidation, reduction and silanization. The chemical modifications were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The silanized CNFs were then added into an epoxy resin (EPON 828) to study the effect of the surface modification of CNFs on the properties of nanocomposites. For comparison, nanocomposites containing original unmodified CNFs were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy indicates better dispersion of modified fibers in the epoxy polymer matrix; the mechanical and thermal properties of composites are also improved; the electrical conductivity of the composites is reduced. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Improvement of mechanical and electrical properties of epoxy resin with carbon nanofibers

In the present research, the reinforcement effect of vapor grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) was studied in relation to the mechanical properties and electrical conduction behavior of fabricated nanocomposites. Different weight fractions of nanofillers into epoxy resin, from 0.05 to 1 wt% and up to 2 wt% for mechanical and electrical properties were investigated. It was found that the optimum improvement in mechanical properties of nanocomposite is obtained at 0.25 wt% of carbon nanofibers. At this filler content, 23 % enhancement in tensile strength and 10 % in flexural strength have been observed. The degree of the VGCNF dispersion has been monitored by means of viscosity variation of the suspension during the sonication process to obtain the optimum sonication time. Finally, the quality of the dispersion for post-cured nanocomposites is characterized by fractured surfaces using the scanning electron microscopy. Agglomerates had a direct effect on the reduction of tensile and flexural strength of nanocomposites. The electrical conductivity was obtained by means of surface measuring method. The optimum amount of filler for the generation of a fine electrical conductivity was found to be around 0.5 wt% of VGCNF. After the threshold point, the electrical conductivity of nanocomposites was slightly raised in spite of adding more filler contents.     

Desirable electrical and mechanical properties of continuous hybrid nano-scale carbon fibers containing highly aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The continuous highly aligned hybrid carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with different content of acid-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated through electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) followed by a series of heat treatments under tensile force. The effects of MWCNTs on the micro-morphology, the degree of orientation and ordered crystalline structure of the resulting nanofibers were analyzed quantitatively by diversified structural characterization techniques. The orientation of PAN molecule chains and the graphitization degree in carbonized nanofibers were distinctly improved through the addition of MWCNTs. The electrical conductivity of the hybrid CNFs with 3 wt% MWCNTs reached 26 S/cm along the fiber direction due to the ordered alignment of MWCNTs and nanofibers. The reinforcing effect of hybrid CNFs in epoxy composites was also revealed. An enhancement of 46.3% in Young’s modulus of epoxy composites was manifested by adding 5 wt% hybrid CNFs mentioned above. At the same time, the storage modulus of hybrid CNF/epoxy composites was significantly higher than that of pristine epoxy and CNF/epoxy composites not containing MWCNTs, and the performance gap became greater under the high temperature regions. It is believed that such a continuous hybrid CNF can be used as effective multifunctional reinforcement in polymer matrix composites.     

Effect of heat treatment of carbon nanofibers on the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of linear low density polyethylene nanocomposites

The electrical properties and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EM SE) of nanocomposites consisting of heat‐treated carbon nanofibers (Pyrograf® III PR‐19, CNF) in a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix were assessed. Heat treatment (HT) of carbon nanofibers at 2500°C significantly improved their graphitic crystallinity and intrinsic transport properties, thereby increasing the EM SE of the nanocomposites. Nanocomposites containing 11 vol% (20 wt%) PR‐19 HT displayed a DC electrical conductivity of about 1.0 ± 0.1 × 10¹ S/m (n = 4), about 10 orders of magnitude better than that of as‐received PR‐19 CNF nanocomposites. Over a frequency range of 30 MHz to 1.5 GHz, nanocomposites (2.5 mm thick) containing PR‐19 HT displayed EM SE average values of about 14 ± 2 dB (n = 4). Absorption was determined to be the main EM SE mechanism for the heat‐treated CNF nanocomposites. The nanocomposites possessed a modulus of 632 ± 36 MPa (n = 6) (nominally twice that of pure LLDPE) and a strain‐to‐failure of 180 ± 98% (n = 6), indicating that a significant ductility is retained in the nanocomposites. Such nanocomposites display potential as absorptive electromagnetic interference shielding materials for thin films and micromolding. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

High performance PP/SEBS/CNF composites: Evaluation of mechanical,thermal degradation,and crystallization properties

Nanocomposites comprising carbon nanofibers (CNF) were prepared and evaluated in terms of morphology, mechanical performance, thermal stability and crystallization properties. It was found that addition of CNF reinforced polypropylene (PP) matrix by marginally increasing the strength and modulus, but at the expense of toughness and ductility. To improve the toughness of the composites, polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) was used. Presence of SEBS remarkably improved the toughness and ductility of the composites. The optimum level of reinforcement was observed at 0.1 wt% of CNF in the composites. Phase morphology studies revealed that at this concentration, CNF were well dispersed in polymer phases and beyond it, agglomeration occurred. PP/SEBS/CNF (0.1 wt%) nanocomposites exhibited good strength, excellent toughness and decent modulus, which make them suitable for cost effective, light‐weight, tough and stiff material for engineering applications. It was observed that thermal stability of composites is only marginally improved whereas crystallinity of PP drastically reduced by the addition of CNF. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2440–2449, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Montmorillonite nanoclay filler effects on electrical conductivity,thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy‐based nanocomposites

Epoxy‐based nanocomposites with 2, 5, and 7 wt% of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay were prepared using high shear melt mixing technique. The microstructural features of the nanocomposites were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal and mechanical properties were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Further, the effect of voltage, temperature, seawater aging on the electrical conductivity (σ_DC) of the nanocomposites was also measured. To understand the free volume behavior upon filler loading, and to observe the connectivity between microstructure and other properties, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used. The TEM results revealed that MMT nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the epoxy matrix. Experimental results showed that the inclusion of 2 wt% MMT nanofiller increased the T_g, electrical conductivity, thermal stability, modulus, free volume of the epoxy nanocomposite significantly. This is well explained from the results of T_g (DSC and DMA), thermal stability, TGA residue, free volume analysis, and electrical conductivity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Reinforcing effect of amine-functionalized and carboxylated porous graphene on toughness,thermal stability,and electrical conductivity of epoxy-based nanocomposites

Epoxy-based nanocomposites reinforced with nonfunctionalized porous graphene (NPG), carboxylated porous graphene (CNPG), and amine-functionalized porous graphene (ANPG) were investigated with regard to mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity. Nanomaterials were added to the epoxy matrix in varying contents of 0.5, 1, and 2 wt %. Generally, mechanical properties were improved as a result of introducing nanomaterials into the epoxy resin. However, the amelioration of toughness was only observed in functionalized NPGs/epoxy nanocomposites. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images showed that functionalized nanomaterials induced a rougher fracture surface compared to the neat epoxy. Dynamic mechanical analysis along with differential scanning calorimetry confirmed an increment in the glass-transition temperature (T_g) of the reinforced nanocomposites. Also, they proved that functionalization made the epoxy network tougher and more flexible. The electrical conductivity and thermal stability of the epoxy resin were also improved when loaded with nanomaterials. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47475.     

Thermally stable electromagnetic interference shielding material from polysulfone nanocomposites: Comparison on carbon nanotube and nanofiber reinforcement

The present investigation aims to develop thermally stable electromagnetic interference shielding materials from polysulfone (PSU) nanocomposites filled with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) or carbon nanofibers (CNF). The effect of filler type and their structural features such as aspect ratio (length/diameter) and wall integrity on the different properties of nanocomposites has been investigated. Nanocomposite filled with MWCNT/CNF exhibits higher thermal stability compared with the neat PSU matrix. The onset degradation temperature of PSU at 532°C enhances to 537 and 538°C at 3 wt% MWCNT and 3 wt% CNF loading, respectively. CNFs filled nanocomposite shows higher electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMISE) compared with MWCNT filled one at the same filler loading. Compared with MWCNT, CNF imparts lower electrical percolation threshold. Nanocomposite filled with MWCNTs possesses percolation threshold at 1.5 wt%, whereas nanocomposite filled with CNFs possesses the same at 0.9 wt%. The EMISE of 20–45 dB are obtained from only 1 mm thick CNF filled nanocomposites from the filler loading 3 to 10 wt%. This value of EMISE above 40 dB suggests that the prepared nanocomposite can be used as an effective lightweight EMI shielding material for high frequency (8.2–12.4 GHz) applications, where high thermal stability is required. POLYM. COMPOS. 36:566–575, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanically robust,electrically and thermally conductive graphene-based epoxy adhesives

This study develops a facile approach to fabricate adhesives consists of epoxy and cost-effective graphene platelets (GnPs). Morphology, mechanical properties, electrical and thermal conductivity, and adhesive toughness of epoxy/GnP nanocomposite were investigated. Significant improvements in mechanical properties of epoxy/GnP nanocomposites were achieved at low GnP loading of merely 0.5?vol%; for example, Young’s modulus, fracture toughness (K_1C) and energy release rate (G_1C) increased by 71%, 133% and 190%, respectively compared to neat epoxy. Percolation threshold of electrical conductivity is recorded at 0.58?vol% and thermal conductivity of 2.13?W m^?1 K^?1 at 6?vol% showing 4 folds enhancements. The lap shear strength of epoxy/GnP nanocomposite adhesive improved from 10.7?MPa for neat epoxy to 13.57?MPa at 0.375?vol% GnPs. The concluded results are superior to other composites or adhesives at similar fractions of fillers such as single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide. The study promises that GnPs are ideal candidate to achieve multifunctional epoxy adhesives.     

Viscoelastic and electrical properties of RGO reinforced phenol formaldehyde nanocomposites

Graphene oxide was reduced (RGO) by naturally abundant potato starch and incorporated in phenol formaldehyde resin (PF). The PF/RGO nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by the combination of solution processing and compression molding. Here, nanocomposites composed of 0.05 wt% to 1 wt% RGO were prepared. The incorporation of RGO into the PF matrix was significantly affecting the dynamic mechanical characteristics of the nanocomposites such as storage and loss modulus and tan δ. The degree of entanglement (N), effectiveness of filler (β_f ), reinforcement efficiency factor (r), cross-link density (v_c ), and adhesion factor (A) were evaluated from the modulus values. Besides, the phase behavior of the nanocomposites was analyzed with help of Cole–Cole plot. The electrical properties of the nanocomposites have been studied concerning change in filler loading and frequency. The dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″) and conductivity were increased with increase in wt% of filler for the entire range of frequencies (20 Hz to 30 MHz) and the results showed that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites can be explained by percolation theory. The Maxwell-Garnet model was employed to calculate the theoretical dielectric constant of PF/RGO nanocomposites.     

Polyaniline nanorod adsorbed on reduced graphene oxide nanosheet for enhanced dielectric,viscoelastic and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites

In this work, polyaniline nanorod adsorbed on reduced graphene oxide (P@G) hybrid filler was prepared via in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of reduced graphene oxide as template. Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed the formation of P@G hybrid. The P@G hybrid was dispersed in dichlorobenzene and then introduced into epoxy resin at different loadings. The epoxy nanocomposites containing 9 wt% P@G hybrids (E/P@G9) exhibited a maximum DC conductivity of 1.34 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm that is eight orders higher compared to pure epoxy. At 10³ Hz, a dielectric constant (ε′) of 163 was attained for E/P@G9, nearly 34 times higher than pure epoxy. A percolation threshold of 4 vol% was observed for ε′. Dynamic mechanical studies showed that significant enhancement in storage modulus values were exhibited for 3 and 5 wt% of hybrids. The glass transition temperature showed a maximum shift of 10°C to higher temperatures at 3 wt% loading of P@G hybrids (E/P@G3). The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and impact strength of the E/P@G3 nanocomposites enhanced by 19.7, 72, and 12%, respectively. The thermal stability of the epoxy nanocomposites also enhanced with the addition of P@G hybrid.     

EMI shielding effectiveness of carbon based nanostructured polymeric materials: A comparative study

The microstructure, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE), DC electrical conductivity, AC electrical conductivity and complex permittivity of nanostructured polymeric materials filled with three different carbon nanofillers of different structures and intrinsic electrical properties were investigated. The nanofillers were multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), carbon nanofibers (CNF) and high structure carbon black (HS-CB) nanoparticles and the polymer was acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). In addition, the EMI SE mechanisms and the relation between the AC electrical conductivity in the X-band frequency range and the DC electrical conductivity were studied. The nanocomposites were fabricated by solution mixing and characterized by uniform dispersion of the nanofillers within the polymer matrix. It was found that, at the same nanofiller loading, the EMI SE, permittivity and electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites decreased in the following order: MWCNT > CNF > CB. MWCNT based nanocomposites exhibited the lowest electrical percolation threshold and the highest EMI SE owning to the higher aspect ratio and electrical conductivity of MWCNT compared to CNF and HS-CB. The AC conductivity in the X-band frequency range was found to be independent of frequency.     

Effects of filler geometry on internal structure and physical properties of polycarbonate composites prepared with various carbon fillers

BACKGROUND: The effects of filler geometry are important for understanding the internal structure and physical properties of polymer composites. To investigate the effects of filler geometry on electrical conductivity as well as morphological and rheological properties, three types of polycarbonate (PC) composites were prepared by melt compounding with a twin‐screw extruder. RESULTS: The electrical conductivity of PC/carbon black (CB) and PC/graphite (carbon) nanofibre (CNF) composites did not show a percolation threshold through the entire filler loading ranges. However, PC‐blend‐carbon nanotube (CNT) composites showed a percolation electrical threshold for a filler loading of 1.0 to 3.0 wt% and their maximum electrical conductivity approached 10^?3 S m^?1. PC‐blend‐CB and PC‐blend‐CNF composites showed Newtonian behaviour like pure PC matrix, but PC‐blend‐CNT composites showed yield stress as well as increased storage modulus and strong shear thinning behaviour at low angular frequency and shear rate due to strong interactions generated between CNT–CNT particles as well as PC molecules and CNT particles on the nanometre scale. CONCLUSIONS: The electrical conductivity of the PC composites with different carbon constituents was well explained by the continuous network structure formed between filler particles. The network structure was confirmed by the good dispersion of fillers as well as by the yield stress and solid‐like behaviour observed in steady and dynamic shear flows. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Novel in situ carbon nanofiber/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites: Synthesis,morphology, and physico‐mechanical properties

A series of carbon nanofiber (CNF)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based nanocomposites was prepared by anionic ring opening polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D₄) in presence of pristine CNF and amine‐modified CNF. A detailed study of morphology–property relationship of the nanocomposites was carried out in order to understand the effect of chemical modification and loading of filler on property enhancement of the nanocomposites. An elaborate comparison of structure and properties was carried out for the nanocomposites prepared by in situ and conventional ex situ methods. Pronounced improvement in degree of dispersion of the fillers in the matrix on amine modification of CNFs was reflected in mechanical properties of the modified nanocomposites. Maximum upliftment in mechanical properties was observed for in situ prepared amine modified CNF/hydroxyl PDMS nanocomposites. For 8 phr filler loading, tensile strength increased by 370%, while tensile modulus showed an increase of 515% compared with the virgin elastomer. Furthermore, in situ prepared unmodified CNF/hydroxyl PDMS nanocomposites showed an increase of 141°C in temperature of maximum degradation (T_max) for 8 phr CNF loading. These results were correlated with the morphological analysis through transmission electron microscopic studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Effect of surface modification of aluminum nitride on electrical and thermal characterizations of thermosetting polymeric nanocomposites

Thermally conductive composites and nanocomposites composed of epoxy resin as base matrix and aluminum nitride (AlN) as micro and nanofiller have been studied at variable temperatures and loading of AlN. To improve the dispersion of the filler within the polymer matrix, AlN was surface modified with silane‐coupling agent. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the interfacial bonding of epoxy‐ and silane‐modified AlN. The dielectric properties of epoxy/AlN composites and nanocomposites have been studied at variable percentage of filler. Test result indicated an increase of thermal conductivity of the composites at 20 wt% of AlN. Also, silane‐treated composites exhibited improved electrical conductivity properties, whereas the electrical insulation property decreased in terms of dielectric strength and resistivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Suppression of AC conductivity by crystalline transformation in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/carbon nanofiber composites

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is an important ferroelectric semi-crystalline polymer with multiple-phase behavior. In this study, remarkable effects of the various crystalline structures of PVDF nanocomposites on alternating current (AC) conductivity were discovered using carbon nanofibers (CNF). It was found that the transformation from α-phase to β-phase in PVDF, induced by the addition of CNFs, had a surprisingly suppressive effect on the AC conductivity of the nanocomposites. These unexpected results indicate that the decline in conductivity occurs after re-crystallization treatment (annealing) of the nanocomposites, and the reduction levels increase with increasing amounts of CNFs. Interestingly, the AC conductivity of annealed 5 wt% CNF/PVDF composites becomes even lower than that of re-crystallized nanocomposites with 3 wt% CNFs. These findings are believed to be very significant for fabrication and long-term service of PVDF composites in industry, which often involves exposure to repeated thermal cycling.     

Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes using branched random copolymer for improvement of thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of epoxy thermosets

A branched random copolymer, poly[(hydroxyethyl acrylate)‐r‐(N‐vinylcarbazole)] (BPHNV), was synthesized through a facile one‐pot free radical polymerization with hydroxyethyl acrylate and N‐vinylcarbazole monomers, using 4‐vinylmethylmercaptan as the chain transfer agent. BPHNV was employed to noncovalently modify multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by π–π interaction. The as‐modified MWCNTs were then incorporated into epoxy resin to improve the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of epoxy thermosets. The results suggest that, due to both the conjugation structure and the epoxy‐philic component, BPHNV could form a polymer layer on the wall of MWCNTs and inhibit entanglement, helping the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in epoxy matrix. Owing to the unprecedented thermal conductivity of MWCNTs and the enhancement in the interfacial interaction between fillers and matrix, the thermal conductivity of epoxy/MWCNTs/BPHNV composites increases by 78% at extremely low filler loadings, while the electrical resistivity is still maintained on account of the insulating polymer layer. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties and glass transition temperature (T_g) of the thermosets are elevated effectively, with no significant decrease occurring to the modulus. The addition of as little as 0.1 wt% of MWCNTs decorated with 1.0 wt% of BPHNV to an epoxy matrix affords a great increase of 130% in impact strength for the epoxy thermosets, as well as an increase of over 13 °C in T_g. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermotropic LCP/CNF nanocomposites prepared with aid of ultrasonic waves

Ultrasound assisted twin screw extrusion process was developed to disperse carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in a polymer matrix. CNFs were separately added into the melt stage to reduce the breakage of CNFs and to avoid intense stresses in the feed zone. The effect of ultrasound and CNFs loading on die pressure, rheological, mechanical, electrical and morphological properties of liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) filled with 0-20 wt% CNFs was studied. Ultrasonic treatment caused a reduction in die pressure and a decrease in electrical percolation threshold value of treated samples. It was also found that mechanical properties of ultrasonically treated LCP/CNF nanocomposite moldings were preserved, improved or slightly decreased in comparison with those of LCP. This is in contrast to available literature typically showing a deterioration of mechanical properties with addition of CNFs. SEM studies have indicated an improved dispersion of CNFs and a reduction of LCP rich area in nanocomposites upon ultrasonic treatment.     

Interfacial evaluation of epoxy/carbon nanofiber nanocomposite reinforced with glycidyl methacrylate treated UHMWPE fiber

Interface interactions of fiber–matrix play a crucial role in final performance of polymer composites. Herein, in situ polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) on the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers surface was proposed for improving the surface activity and adhesion property of UHMWPE fibers towards carbon nanofibers (CNF)‐epoxy nanocomposites. Chemical treatment of UHMWPE fibers was characterized by FTIR, XPS analysis, SEM, and microdroplet tests, confirming that the grafting of poly (GMA) chains on the surface alongside a significant synergy in the interfacial properties. SEM evaluations also exhibited cohesive type of failure for the samples when both GMA‐treated UHMWPE fiber and CNF were used to reinforce epoxy matrix. Compared with unmodified composite, a ～319% increase in interfacial shear strength was observed for the samples reinforced with both 5 wt % GMA‐grafted UHMWPE and 0.5 wt % of CNF. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43751.     

Properties of a reactive‐graphitic‐carbon‐nanofibers‐reinforced epoxy

Our previous studies showed that herringbone graphitic GNFs surface‐derivatized with reactive linker molecules bearing pendant primary amino functional groups capable of binding covalently to epoxy resins. Of special importance, herringbone GNFs derivatized with 3,4′‐oxydianiline (GNF‐ODA) were found to react with neat butyl glycidyl ether to form mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐glycidyl oligomers covalently coupled to the ODA pendant amino group. The resulting reactive GNF‐ODA (butyl glycidyl)_n nanofibers, r‐GNF‐ODA, are especially well suited for reactive, covalent incorporation into epoxy resins during thermal curing. Based on these studies, nanocomposites reinforced by the r‐GNF‐ODA nanofibers at nanofiber loadings of 0.15–1.3 wt% were prepared. Flexural property of cured r‐GNF‐ODA/epoxy nanocomposites were measured through three‐point‐bending tests. Thermal properties, including glass transition temperature (T_g) and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for the nanocomposites, were investigated using thermal mechanical analysis. The nanocomposites containing 0.3 wt% of the nanofibers gives the highest mechanical properties. At this 0.3‐wt% fiber loading, the flexural strength, modulus and breaking strain of the particular nanocomposite are increased by about 26, 20, and 30%, respectively, compared to that of pure epoxy matrix. Moreover, the T_g value is the highest for this nanocomposite, 14°C higher than that of pure epoxy. The almost constant change in CTEs before and after T_g, and very close to the change of pure epoxy, is in agreement with our previous study results on a chemical bond existing between the r‐GNF‐ODA nanofibers and epoxy resin in the resulting nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:605–611, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers