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Effects of SiO 2 nanoparticles on the performance of carboxyl‐randomized liquid butadiene–acrylonitrile rubber modified epoxy nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Zeng Minfeng,
Sun Xudong,
Yao Xiandong,
Ji Genzhong,
Chen Ning,
Wang Baoyi,
Qi Chenze
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.26579
Subject(s) - nanocomposite , materials science , natural rubber , acrylonitrile , composite material , nanoparticle , epoxy , scanning electron microscope , transmission electron microscopy , chemical engineering , polymer , copolymer , nanotechnology , engineering
The effects of SiO 2 nanoparticles on the performance of carboxyl‐randomized liquid butadiene–acrylonitrile rubber (CRBN) modified epoxy resin (EP) nanocomposites were studied. With the addition of an appropriate amount of SiO 2 (2%) to EP/CRBN (95/5), the nanocomposites could achieve the desired impact strength and modulus. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites showed a three‐phase system; both the rubber particles and SiO 2 nanoparticles showed uniform dispersions in the EP matrix, with their phases all nanosized. A good correlation between the free‐volume hole radius and mechanical properties was found. The introduction of a small amount of nanoparticles (both rubber and SiO 2 ) into EP led to the formation of interactions between the EP and nanoparticles. The interactions restricted the segment motion and the mobilization of the EP chains and then reduced the free‐volume concentration in the amorphous region of EP. The fact that the average free‐volume hole radius of EP/CRBN was larger than that of pure EP was mainly attributed to the contribution of the larger size of the free‐volume holes within the rubber phase. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007