Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Aluminum/Epoxy Nanocomposites

Surface-modified self-passivated aluminum (Al) nanoparticles were used for reinforcing epoxy (EP) resin, and the curing behavior, mechanical and electrical properties of the Al/EP nanocomposites were investigated. The incorporation of Al nanoparticles into EP significantly decreases the cure reaction enthalpy of the nancomposites, and the apparent activation energy of Al/EP systems is 64.96 kJ/mol. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the nanocomposites decreases with increasing the Al loading due to the strong interaction between the Al and the EP matrix. The storage modulus of the nanocomposites increases continuously with Al content, whereas, the glass transition temperature declines slightly. With increasing the Al content, the tensile modulus, flexural modulus and compressive modulus of the nanocomposites increase continuously compared with the neat one. The mechanical properties are improved by Al nanoparticles at low Al contents. The best overall dielectric and electrical performance are achieved about at 1 wt.% of Al concentration. The enhanced dielectric breakdown strength is mainly related to the insulating alumina shell on the surface of core Al and the strong interfacial interactions.