Silane coupling agent modified BN–OH as reinforcing filler for epoxy nanocomposite

Boron nitride-hydroxyl (BN–OH) was synthesized with silane coupling agent (KH550) in order to achieve epoxy/BN nanocomposites with excellent thermal, tribological, and mechanical properties. This is an efficient method to improve epoxy nanocomposite properties. These properties were investigated by friction and wear test, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The wear mechanisms were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Surface modification of BN–OH with silane coupling agent significantly enhanced its thermal stability. Storage modulus of the nanocomposite with 2% epoxy/BN increased by nearly 300% in comparison with that of pure epoxy. The results exhibit outstanding performance of the epoxy/BN nanocomposites compared with pure epoxy resin.