Ternary Epoxy Nanocomposites with Synergistic Effects: Preparation, Properties Evaluation and Structure Analysis

The objective of the present work was to prepare hybrid epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. The simultaneous use of two different modifiers in an epoxy resin was motivated by the expected occurrence of synergistic effects on the performance properties of the matrix. Such a hybrid composite can be used in more severe conditions and/or in broader application areas. Hybrid epoxy composites were prepared with polyurethane (PUR), Nanomer nanoclay and carbon nanotubes (CNT), followed by the evaluation of their mechanical and thermal properties. Synergistic improvements in mechanical properties of hybrid composites were observed for 0.5 wt% Nanomer and 1 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNT), 7.5 wt% PUR and 1 wt% CNT, and 5 wt% PUR and 1 wt% CNT, confirming the occurrence of synergistic effects as to the impact strength (IS) of the matrices, compared to binary systems. The toughening induced by CNT/Nanomer modifiers can be attributed to the specific interfacial interactions between the two nanoparticles, while in the case of CNT/PUR, it can be explained by the combined effects of flexible polymer chains and the specific arrangement of nanoparticles in epoxy systems. Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the occurrence of interaction between OH groups in the epoxy matrix with CNT and reactive groups of PUR. The fracture surface showed plastic deformations, with good dispersion of CNT, explaining the improved mechanical properties of the matrix composites.