Nanoparticles with various surface modifications as functionalized cross-linking agents for composite resin materials

The performance of epoxy resins used for carbon fibre reinforced plastics can be significantly improved by the incorporation of nanoparticles. It is well known that the effect of material altering depends on many factors as filler material, particle distribution, particle size and shape. This paper investigates the hypothesis that particle surface modifications lead to a further improvement of the mechanical properties. Results of nanocomposites filled with four different surface modified boehmite particles are presented. The material was tested with different filler contents and analysed for chemical bonding, viscosity, thermal properties and bending performance. Surprising results show a strong influence of the surface modification on the viscosity, but no significant changes in the other material characteristics. The change of filler content in contrast has an influence on all tested performances of the nanocomposites. The results show a contrary effect of network interruption due to sterical hindrance by the particles and reinforcement due to the stiff ceramic fillers. For different filler contents these two effects have a varying influence on the material characteristics. From these results a model for the mechanism of the particle reinforcement in thermosets is concluded, which helps to understand the effectiveness of nanoparticles as reinforcement of epoxy resins.     

Preparation and properties of hollow glass microsphere-filled epoxy-matrix composites

Hollow glass microsphere (HGM)–filled epoxy composites, with filler content ranging from 0 to 51.3 vol.%, were prepared in order to modify the dielectric properties of the epoxy. The results showed that the dielectric constant (D_k) and dielectric loss (D_f) of the composites decreased simultaneously with increasing HGM content, which was critical for the provision of superior high-frequency device performance. Other properties of the composite, such as the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the glass transition temperature (T_g), were also improved. The improvement in these properties was related to strong interaction between the HGM and epoxy, which was indicated by the formation of an interphase between the HGM and epoxy-matrix. It was unsatisfactory in this study that the thermal conductivity of the composites also decreased with HGM content. In order to obtain relatively high thermal conductivity and a low dielectric constant simultaneously, this paper suggests further adding other filler.     

Exploring isolated lignin material from oil palm biomass waste in green composites

Lignin obtained from oil palm biomass empty fruit bunches (EFB) fibers, has been used as curing agent in green epoxy composites. Epoxy–lignin composites, with varying lignin content (15%, 20%, 25% and 30%), reinforced with EFB fiber were prepared. The effect of EFB-based lignin on the mechanical, thermal and morphology properties of the composites were investigated and compared with the composites cured with isophorone diamine curing agent. The improved thermal stability and the observed microstructure of the fractured surface of the composites were attributed to good fiber–matrix interaction, induced by the curing agent. The epoxy composites cured with 25% lignin content proved to be a better matrix and gave optimum value compared with other formulations which was confirmed by its mechanical, thermal and morphological properties.     

Tribological properties of surface modified nano-alumina/epoxy composites

Nano-sized Al₂O₃ particles grafted with polystyrene or polyarcrylamide were employed as fillers for fabricating epoxy based composites. Curing habit, mechanical properties and tribological performance revealed by sliding wear tests of the composites were investigated. The experimental results indicated that the nanoparticles accelerate curing of epoxy, increase composites' impact strength and decrease wear rate and frictional coefficient of the composites. The surface modification by means of grafting polymerization can further enhance the properties improvement of epoxy due to the increased filler/matrix interfacial interaction. Compared to frictional coefficient, wear rate of epoxy can be decreased more remarkably by the addition of nano-alumina when rubbing against steel. The wear mode changes from severe peeling off of unfilled epoxy to mild micro-ploughing in the case of nano-alumina filled composites.     

Effects of aluminium nitride inclusions on thermal and electrical properties of epoxy and polypropylene: An experimental investigation

Thermal and dielectric properties of polymers reinforced with micro-sized aluminium nitride (AlN) particles have been studied. A set of epoxy–AlN composites, with filler content ranging from 0 to 25 vol% is prepared by hand lay-up technique. With similar filler loading, polypropylene -AlN composites are fabricated by compression molding technique. Density (ρ_c), effective thermal conductivity (k_eff), glass transition temperature (T_g), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and dielectric constant (ε_c) of these composites are measured experimentally. The various experimental data were interpreted using appropriate theoretical models. Incorporation of AlN in both the resin increases the k_eff and T_g whereas CTE of composite decreases favourably. The dielectric constant of the composite also found to get modified with filler content. With improved thermal and modified dielectric characteristics, these AlN filled polymer composites can possibly be used for microelectronics applications.     

Mechanical properties of epoxy composites with high contents of nanodiamond

Mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of composites made of nanodiamond with epoxy polymer binder have been studied in a wide range of nanodiamond concentrations (0-25 vol.%). In contrast to composites with a low content of nanodiamond, where only small to moderate improvements in mechanical properties were reported before, the composites with 25 vol.% nanodiamond showed an unprecedented increase in Young’s modulus (up to 470%) and hardness (up to 300%) as compared to neat epoxy. A significant increase in scratch resistance and thermal conductivity of the composites were observed as well. The improved thermal conductivity of the composites with high contents of nanodiamond is explained by direct contacts between single diamond nanoparticles forming an interconnected network held together by a polymer binder.     

Compression and wear behavior of composites filled with various nanoparticles

Extrusion compression and dry sliding were carried out on the various nanoparticle filled composites by using cylindrical specimens. To study the effect of exfoliated nanoparticles on the epoxy matrix to friction and wear, Na-montmorillonite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared with the filler content varied from 0 to 10 vol.%. Compression tests were conducted by using cylindrical blocks to obtain the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. To determine the tribological property, the sliding wear tests with high pressure were performed at room temperatures by using a block-on-disc apparatus. The morphologies of the wear trace and the interlayer mechanism of the as-spun material were obtained by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results showed that the compression strength, fracture strength and Young’s modulus for both reinforced nanocomposites are much higher than that of pure epoxy matrix. The friction coefficient and wear coefficient of Cloisite^® 30B nanocomposites were effectively reduced with rising filler content which should be attributed to the improved dispersion of the nanoparticles. Finally, the SEM observation on the wear tracks surface for the pure epoxy matrix and its composites filled with various kinds of nanoparticle will be discussed.     

Study on the effects of nanoparticulates of SiC,Al2O3, and ZnO on the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy-based nanocomposites

In this research work, mechanical and tribological characteristics of ortho cresol novalac epoxy (OCNE)-based nanocomposites filled with nanoparticulates of SiC, Al₂O_3, and ZnO have been investigated. Also, in these investigations, the influence of wear parameters such as applied normal load, sliding velocity, filler contents, and sliding distance have been explored. The experimental plan for four factors at three levels using face centered composite design (CCD) has been employed by the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The friction and wear tests were carried out using a pin on disc wear test apparatus under dry sliding conditions. The hardness and flexural strength of nano ortho cresol novalac epoxy composites filled with nano (SiC, Al₂O_3, and ZnO) particulates increases with an increase in the filler contents. Whereas, the tensile strength of these nanocomposites increases with an increase in the filler contents from 1 to 2 wt%, and with a further increase in filler contents the tensile strength decreases. The results of the study also showed that (2 wt%) filler contents bring superior mechanical and tribological properties. The lowest coefficient of friction and specific wear rate were found with nano Al₂O₃-filled composites. Also, the wear mechanisms of these nanocomposites were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an EDS analyzer.     

Enhancement of tensile and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites through chemical hybridization of carbon nanotubes and alumina

This paper presents the properties of epoxy nanocomposites, prepared using a synthesized hybrid carbon nanotube–alumina (CNT–Al₂O₃) filler, via chemical vapour deposition and a physically mixed CNT–Al₂O₃ filler, at various filler loadings (i.e., 1–5%). The tensile and thermal properties of both nanocomposites were investigated at different weight percentages of filler loading. The CNT–Al₂O₃ hybrid epoxy composites showed higher tensile and thermal properties than the CNT–Al₂O₃ physically mixed epoxy composites. This increase was associated with the homogenous dispersion of CNT–Al₂O₃ particle filler; as observed under a field emission scanning electron microscope. It was demonstrated that the CNT–Al₂O₃ hybrid epoxy composites are capable of increasing tensile strength by up to 30%, giving a tensile modulus of 39%, thermal conductivity of 20%, and a glass transition temperature value of 25%, when compared to a neat epoxy composite.     

Size reduction of WO3 nanoparticles by ultrasound irradiation and its applications in structural nanocomposites

The porous WO₃ (pore size 2–5 nm) nanoparticles were synthesized using a high intensity ultrasound irradiation of commercially available WO₃ nanoparticles (80 nm) in ethanol. The high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) and X-ray studies indicated that the 2–5 nm uniform pores have been created in commercially available WO₃ nanoparticles without much changing the initial WO₃ nanoparticles (80 nm) sizes. The nanocomposites of WO₃/SC-15 epoxy were prepared by infusion of 1 wt.%, 2 wt.% and 3 wt.% of porous WO₃ nanoparticles into SC-15 epoxy resin by using a non-contact (Thinky) mixing technique. Finally the neat epoxy and nanocomposites were cured at room temperature for about 24 h in a plastic rectangular mold. The cured epoxy samples were removed and precisely cut into required dimensions and tested for their thermal and mechanical properties. The HRTEM and SEM studies indicated that the sonochemically modified porous WO₃ nanoparticles dispersed more uniformly over the entire volume of the epoxy (without any settlement or agglomeration) as compared to the unmodified WO₃/epoxy nanocomposites.     

Microwave dielectric properties of flexible silicone rubber – Ba(Zn1/3Ta2/3)O3 composite substrates

Silicone rubber composites filled with Ba(Zn_1/3Ta_2/3)O₃ (BZT) were prepared by hot pressing and the effect of filler content on the microwave dielectric, mechanical and thermal properties as well as on moisture absorption were investigated. The observed relative permittivity (ɛ_r) was compared with different theoretical models. Among the different theoretical models Jayasundere Smith and Modified Lichtenecker were in good agreement with experimental values of ɛ_r. The study of the mechanical property showed that the silicone rubber – BZT composites were flexible and stretchable. The coefficient of thermal expansion and specific heat capacity decreased whereas thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity and the moisture absorption increased with increase in filler loading.     

Engineering the coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal conductivity of polymers filled with high aspect ratio silica nanofibers

The thermomechanical properties of epoxy filled with two different types of silica nanofillers: spherical nanoparticles and nanofibers were investigated as a function of silica nanofiller aspect ratio and concentration. Results indicated that at room temperature and at 8.74% silica nanofiber concentration (by volume) the thermal conductivity of epoxy increased twofold and coefficient of thermal expansion (CET) decreased by ∼40%. Silica nanofiber filled epoxy showed 1.4 times greater CET and 1.5 times greater thermal conductivity compared to spherical nanoparticle filled epoxy. The significant changes observed in thermomechanical properties of silica nanofiber filled epoxy were attributed to its high aspect ratio by constraining the polymer matrix as well as reducing the phonon scattering due to the formation of a continuous fiber network within the matrix. In addition to being electrically insulating, the improved properties of silica nanofiber filled epoxy make it an extremely attractive material as underfill and encapsulant in advanced electronic packaging industry.     

Thermal conductivity of liquid crystalline epoxy/BN filler composites having ordered network structure

BN filler was added to a liquid crystalline (LC) epoxy resin to obtain a high thermal conductive material. The LC epoxy/BN composites, which were cured at different temperatures, formed an isotropic or LC polydomain phase structure. The relationship between the network orientation containing mesogenic groups and the dispersibility of the BN filler was discussed. As a result, the thermal conductivity of the LC polydomain system was drastically enhanced even at a relatively low volume fraction of BN (30 vol%), regardless of the fact that both the LC and isotropic phase systems consisted of the same resin and filler content combination. This result is due to the formation of thermal conductive paths by the BN filler by exclusion of the BN filler from the LC domain formed during the curing process in the composite having the LC polydomain matrix.     

Viscoelastic properties of multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy composites using two different curing cycles

Along with carbon nanotubes (CNT) morphology, impurity, and functionalization, polymer curing cycle is another important factor in determining the mechanical properties of the CNT/polymer composite samples. This work investigates the effect of two different curing cycles on mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the nanotube in the composite in order to optimize the curing condition in term of time and temperature. Nanocomposite samples were prepared by mixing multi-wall carbon nanotubes with epoxy resin using sonication method. The mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the resulting composite samples were evaluated by performing tensile and dynamic mechanical thermal analyses (DMTA) test. The results indicate that the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of pure epoxy and composite samples have been affected by the condition curing process. Concerning viscoelastic modeling, the COLE–COLE diagram has been plotted by the result of DMTA tests. These results show a good agreement between the Perez model and the viscoelastic behavior of the composite.     

Enhanced thermal conductivity of epoxy nanocomposites filled with hybrid filler system of triethylenetetramine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube/silane-modified nano-sized silicon carbide

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were first treated by a 3:1 (v/v) mixture of concentrated H₂SO₄/HNO₃, and then triethylenetetramine (TETA) grafting was carried out. Nano-sized silicon carbide particles (SiC_np) were modified by the silane coupling agent. Epoxy nanocomposites filled with hybrid filler system containing TETA-functionalized MWCNTs and silane-modified SiC_np were prepared. The investigation on the thermal conductivity of epoxy nanocomposites filled with single filler system and hybrid filler system was performed. Chemical surface treatment is conducive to the enhancement of thermal conductivity of epoxy composites. The thermal conductivity of epoxy composites with hybrid filler system is higher than that of epoxy composites with any single filler system (functionalized MWCNTs or modified SiC_np), which is due to the effective combination of MWCNT-to-MWCNT and SiC_np-to-SiC_np conductive networks. Hybrid filler system could provide synergistic effect and cost reduction simultaneously.     

The effect of interfacial state on the thermal conductivity of functionalized Al2O3 filled glass fibers reinforced polymer composites

Rapidly increasing packaging density of electronic devices puts forward higher requirements for thermal conductivity of glass fibers reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites, which are commonly used as substrates in printed circuit board. Interface between fillers and polymer matrix has long been playing an important role in affecting thermal conductivity. In this paper, the effect of interfacial state on the thermal conductivity of functionalized Al₂O₃ filled GFRP composites was evaluated. The results indicated that amino groups-Al₂O₃ was demonstrated to be effective filler to fabricate thermally conductive GFPR composite (1.07 W/m K), compared with epoxy group and graphene oxide functionalized Al₂O₃. It was determined that the strong adhesion at the interface and homogeneous dispersion of filler particles were the key factors. Moreover, the effect of interfacial state on dielectric and thermomechanical properties of GFRP composites was also discussed. This research provides an efficient way to develop high-performance GFRP composites with high thermal conductivity for integrated circuit packaging applications.     

High thermal and mechanical properties enhancement obtained in highly filled polybenzoxazine nanocomposites with fumed silica

Highly filled polybenzoxazine nanocomposites filled with nano-SiO₂ particles were investigated for their mechanical and thermal properties as a function of filler loading. The nanocomposites were prepared by high shear mixing followed by compression molding. A very low A-stage viscosity of benzoxazine monomer gives it excellent processability having maximum nano-SiO₂ loading as high as 30 wt% (18.8 vol%) with negligible void content. Moreover, thermal analysis of the curing process of the compound of the PBA-a/nano-SiO₂ composites was found to be autocatalytic in nature with average activation energy of 79–92 kJ mol⁻¹. Microscopic analysis (SEM) performed on the PBA-a/nano-SiO₂ composite fracture surface indicated a nearly homogeneous distribution of the nano-scaled silica in the polybenzoxazine matrix. In addition, the enhancement in storage modulus of the nano-SiO₂ filled polybenzoxazine composites was found to be significantly higher than that of the recently reported nano-SiO₂ filled epoxy composites. The dependence of the nanocomposites’ modulus on the nano-SiO₂ particles content is well fitted by the generalized Kerner equation. Furthermore, the relatively high micro-hardness of the PBA-a/nano-SiO₂ composites up to about 600 MPa was achieved. Finally, the substantial enhancement in the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the PBA-a/nano-SiO₂ composites was also observed with the ΔT_g up to 16 °C at the nano-SiO₂ loading of 30 wt%. The resulting PBA-a/nano-SiO₂ composite is a highly attractive candidate as coating material in electronic packaging or other related applications.     

On depression of glass transition temperature of epoxy nanocomposites

Epoxy composite materials filled with nano-alumina particles were prepared by mechanical mixing techniques. The glass transition temperatures (T _g) of the nanocomposites were found to decline significantly with the increasing filler content. After the addition of 30-phr nanoparticles, the T _g of the filled sample decreased by as high as 55 °C, as compared with that of the neat epoxy polymer. Based on the selective adsorption hypothesis and the molecular diffusion, it is speculated that the hardener molecules were unevenly distributed in the nanocomposites, which caused imbalanced stoichiometry between the epoxy and the hardener and finally decreased the T _g. Some results that may support the adsorption hypothesis were given and discussed.     

Effects of filler shape and size on the properties of silver filled epoxy composite for electronic applications

Epoxy composites filled with nano- and micro-sized silver (Ag) particulate fillers were prepared and characterized based on flexural properties, coefficient of thermal expansion, dynamic mechanical analysis, electrical conductivity, and morphological properties. The influences of these two types of Ag fillers, especially in terms of their sizes and shapes, were investigated. Silver nanoparticles were nano-sized and spherical, while silver flakes were micron-sized and flaky. It was found that the flexural strength of the epoxy composite filled with silver flakes decreased, while the flexural strength of the epoxy composite filled with silver nanoparticles showed an optimum value at 4 vol.% before it subsequently dropped. Both silver composites showed improvement in flexural modulus with increasing filler loads. CTE value indicated significant decrements in filled samples compared to neat epoxy. Results on the electrical conductivity of both systems showed a transition from insulation to conduction at 6 vol.%.     

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene/graphene oxide nanocomposites: Thermal,mechanical and wettability characterisation

Numerous carbon nanostructures have been investigated in the last years due to their excellent mechanical properties. In this work, the effect of the addition of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles to UHMWPE and the optimal %wt GO addition were investigated. UHMWPE/GO nanocomposites with different GO wt% contents were prepared and their mechanical, thermal, structural and wettability properties were investigated and compared with virgin UHMWPE. The results showed that the thermal stability, oxidative resistance, mechanical properties and wettability properties of UHMWPE were enhanced due to the addition of GO. UHMWPE/GO materials prepared with up to 0.5 wt% GO exhibited improved characteristics compared to virgin UHMWPE and nanocomposites prepared with higher GO contents.