Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites by Mixing Noncovalently Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanoflakes

Abstract

The influence of surface modifications on the mechanical properties of epoxy-hexagonal boron nitride nanoflake (BNNF) nanocomposites is investigated. Homogeneous distributions of boron nitride nanoflakes in a polymer matrix, preserving intrinsic material properties of boron nitride nanoflakes, is the key to successful composite applications. Here, a method is suggested to obtain noncovalently functionalized BNNFs with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) molecules and to synthesize epoxy-BNNF nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties. The incorporation of noncovalently functionalized BNNFs into epoxy resin yields an elastic modulus of 3.34 GPa, and 71.9 MPa ultimate tensile strength at 0.3 wt%. The toughening enhancement is as high as 107% compared to the value of neat epoxy. The creep strain and the creep compliance of the noncovalently functionalized BNNF nanocomposite is significantly less than the neat epoxy and the nonfunctionalized BNNF nanocomposite. Noncovalent functionalization of BNNFs is effective to increase mechanical properties by strong affinity between the fillers and the matrix.

Transport performance in novel elastomer nanocomposites: Mechanism, design and control

“…11). With respect to noncovalent functionalization, various modifications, such as pyrene derivatives [218,219] and polyaniline [220], have been widely reported to stabilize BN via π-π interactions between the BN and the modifiers. For bulk BN, coupling agents [221,222] are used to increase the filler affinity and dispersibility in the matrix.…”

A New Electrochemical Approach for the Synthesis of Copper-Graphene Nanocomposite Foils with High Hardness

“…Several other researchers have also reported an enhancement in the mechanical17, thermal18 and electrical properties19 of polymer based composites with small amounts of Gr introduced into the matrix. Walker et al20 have shown a significant improvement of 235% in the toughness for a Si 3 N 4 -Gr nanocomposite compared to its bare counterpart.…”

Polymer/boron nitride nanosheet composite with high thermal conductivity and sufficient dielectric strength

“…[16][17][18][19] Moreover, hexagonal BN in various forms (nanoplatelets, nanotubes, and nanosheets) is an attractive nanofiller material due to its low density (2.1 g/cm 3 ), high mechanical strength (Young's modulus: 0.7-0.9 TPa, yield strength:~35 GPa), good thermal conductivity (300 Wm À1 K À1 ) and chemical stabilities, and intrinsic electrical insulating properties. [20] Thus, BN has traditionally been considered as a material of choice in thermal-management applications. In recent years both BN nanotubes and sheets have attracted growing attention for thermal transport and other uses.…”