The structural characterization and properties of SiO2-epoxy nanocomposites

SiO2-epoxy nanocomposites with different SiO2 nanoparticle contents are synthesized. Some micro/nanoscopic structural characterizations are studied, including the various degrees of nanoparticle dispersion, free-volume contents, and the interface between the nanoparticles and the polymer matrix. The thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites are also investigated. The influence of nanoparticle contents on the structural characterization is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. This study will be helpful for the structural design and property evaluation of nanocomposites.