Functional Silica and Carbon Nanocomposites Based on Polybenzoxazines

The preparation of organic/inorganic hybrid materials comprising a polybenzoxazine (PBZ) matrix incorporating silicon-based species (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS], layered silicates [clays], and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes [POSS]) and carbon-based materials (e.g., carbon black, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) has received much attention in recent years because these composites display low water absorption, low surface free energy, low dielectric constants, flame-retardancy, and excellent thermal and mechanical properties. This short review article describes the chemical and physical approaches that are used to prepare PBZs incorporating silica and carbon nanocomposites. In addition, recent reports of their physical properties are discussed, covering their dielectric constants and dynamic mechanical, thermal, electrical, and surface properties.