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Synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of zirconium tungstate ( ZrW 2 O 8 ) nano‐rods for advanced polymer nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Thakur Vijay Kumar,
Li Yuzhan,
Wu Hongchao,
Kessler Michael R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.4014
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , surface modification , thermogravimetric analysis , nanomaterials , composite material , fourier transform infrared spectroscopy , chemical engineering , scanning electron microscope , tungstate , polymer nanocomposite , zirconium , nanotechnology , engineering , metallurgy
Nanomaterials based on zirconium tungstate (ZrW 2 O 8 ) exhibit numerous outstanding properties that make them ideal candidates for the development of high‐performance composites. Low coefficient of thermal expansion for advanced materials is a promising direction in the field of insulating nanocomposites. However, the agglomeration of zirconium tungstate (ZrW 2 O 8 )‐based nanomaterials in the polymer matrix is a limiting factor in their successful applications, and studies on surface functionalization ZrW 2 O 8 for advanced nanocomposites are very limited. In this work, ZrW 2 O 8 nano‐rods were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and subsequently functionalized in a solvent‐free aqueous medium using dopamine. Both pristine and functionalized nano‐rods were thoroughly characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy techniques, which confirmed the successful functionalization of the nanomaterials. Polymer nanocomposites were also prepared using epoxy resin as a model matrix. Polymer nanocomposites with functionalized ZrW 2 O 8 nano‐rods exhibited low coefficient of thermal expansion and enhanced tensile properties. The improved properties of the nanocomposites render them suitable for electronic applications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.