The role of epoxy matrix occlusions within BaTiO3 nanoparticles on the dielectric properties of functionalized BaTiO3/epoxy nanocomposites

In this work, the effects of controlled nanoparticles aggregations of barium titanate (BaTiO3) on the dielectric properties of epoxy nanocomposites are investigated in detail with respect to different experimental parameters like frequency, ceramic content and temperature. Dispersing silanized BaTiO3 nanopowder under ultrasonic and stir, nanocomposites of epoxy-amine matrix with different morphologies are obtained. The nanoparticles silane functionalization containing amine end groups effectively improve the compatibility of the nano-BaTiO3 and the epoxy matrix. Storage modulus, glass transition temperature, tensile and flexural properties of nanocomposites and dielectric properties are increased until 10% by weight of nano-BaTiO3 loading, well dispersed in the matrix. Above 10 wt.% of nano-BaTiO3, scanning electronic microscopy and thermal analysis showed that agglomeration of nanoparticles occurs. Rheological and mechanical nanocomposites properties were evaluated and matrix occlusion behaviors were identified. In light of the specific behavior of the occluded polymer, the dielectric properties, especially dielectric loss are discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.