High performance epoxy nanocomposites based on dual epoxide modified α-Zirconium phosphate nanoplatelets

Abstract Epoxy nanocomposites with exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) using proton exchanged polyetheramines as surfactants have previously been demonstrated to show significant improvements anti-corrosion, barrier, and mechanical properties. However, these nanocomposites have a significant reduction in glass transition temperature (Tg). The low Tg of the nanocomposites is caused by detachment of the polyetheramine from ZrP which interferes with the epoxy curing process. Here, ZrP surfaces with covalently bound molecules containing epoxide functional groups were used to achieve ZrP exfoliation in epoxy without sacrificing Tg. By introducing dual epoxide functionalized ZrP, it is possible to achieve exfoliation and self-assembly of ZrP at high loadings in epoxy with greatly increased Young's modulus and significantly reduced thermal expansion coefficient, while maintaining a high Tg. Implication of the present study for preparation of high-performance polymer nanocomposites is discussed.