Novel epoxy nanocomposite materials

作者：Pethrick R A^*; Ishaque S; Rhoney I

来源：Plastics Rubber and Composites, 2010, 39(3-5): 165-170.

DOI：10.1179/174328910X12608851832812

• Epoxy
• Ytterbium triflate
• Nanosilica
• Composite resins
• Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis

The use of ytterbium triflate as a catalyst for the cure of nano modified epoxy resins is described. Incorporation of gamma-valerolactone was explored as a means of reducing the fragility of the material. The cure profiles were measured using the Strathclyde curometer over the temperature window of 90 to 120 degrees C. The gelation time was sensitive to the concentration of the catalyst present. Incorporation of nanosilica particles, created using a sol-gel method, allowed enhancement of the physical properties of the base resin matrix. The addition of gamma-valerolactone influenced the cure rate and the physical properties of the matrix formed. The mechanical and thermal properties of the materials were studied using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The incorporation of the gamma-valerolactone at certain levels leads to a reduction of the glass transition temperature with increasing level of nanofiller rather than the expected increase.

• 出版日期2010-6