Multifunctional Epoxy Nanocomposites With Various Shape of Nanofillers

Epoxy polymer nanocomposite (PNCs) with polyaniline (PANI) nanofiber and nanosphere Carbon coated iron (Fe@C), graphene (Gr) and Gr nanosheets coated with protruding iron core iron oxide shell nanoparticles, named Gr/Fe@Fe₂O₃ have been fabricated. The PNCs with different loading levels of the nanofillers were systematically studied. Rheological behaviors of the uncured samples (liquid phase), including viscosity at steady state, complex viscosity and viscosity storage and loss modulii in oscillation process were studied. And for all the cured samples (solid phase), the thermal stability was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), flammability and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) tests. The curing extent of the PNCs were calculated based on the residual heat obtained in the DSC test, and the curing process of the PNCs was also studied by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test. The thermo-mechanical properties including storage and loss modulii, glass transition temperature were evaluated together with the tensile mechanical properties. Finally, the effects of nanofiller loading on the electrical conductivity, dielectric property and magnetic property were systematically assessed as well.