Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Negative-CTE ZrW2O8 Nanoparticles for Electrical Applications

• Published in: Macromolecular materials and engineering Vol. 298; no. 2; pp. 136 - 144
• Main Authors: Badrinarayanan, Prashanth, Rogalski, Mark, Wu, Hongchao, Wang, Xiaofeng, Yu, Wonjong, Kessler, Michael R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.02.2013; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; negative CTE; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polymer matrix composites; Technology of polymers; thermomechanical properties; thermosetting resins; Zirconium Tungstates; Mixing; Dielectric properties; thermosetting resins; Epoxy resin; thermomechanical properties; Experimental study; Thermal properties; negative CTE; Dynamic mechanical properties; Disruptive voltage; Concentration effect; Thermal expansion coefficient; Nanocomposite; Manufacturing; Growth from melt; polymer matrix composites; Modified material
• ISSN: 1438-7492; 1439-2054
• DOI: 10.1002/mame.201100417

The potential for incorporating negative‐CTE zirconium tungstate (ZrW2O8) nanoparticles in an epoxy matrix with the aim of developing epoxy/ZrW2O8 nanocomposites with tailored CTE values for electrical applications is investigated. The ZrW2O8/epoxy nanocomposites are prepared through incorporation of up to 20 vol% unfunctionalized nanoparticles or silane‐functionalized nanoparticles containing either epoxy or amine end groups. Improvements in thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix are achived with no detrimental effect on the dielectric strength, which suggests that these nanocomposites could be viable candidates for a wide range of electrical applications. The potential of an epoxy resin to tailor the coefficient of thermal expansion using unique, negative‐CTE ZrW2O8 nanoparticles while also achieving simultaneous enhancements in mechanical and electrical properties of the matrix is explored. The combination of good thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties makes these nanocomposites excellent candidates for electrical applications.