Mechanical behavior of self-curing epoxy nanocomposites

Alpha-zirconium phosphate (Zr(O3POH)(2)center dot H2O, alpha-ZrP) nanoplatelets were exfoliated using tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide (TBA) and cured through the anionic phosphonate on the surface of the exfoliated alpha-ZrP-TBA. alpha-ZrP-TBA can both initiate an anionic polymerization of epoxy monomers and serve as reinforcing agents for epoxy matrix. The epoxy/alpha-ZrP-TBA nanocomposites exhibit greatly increased Young's modulus of 4.3 GPa, while maintaining a relative high glass transition temperature of 110 degrees C. In addition, epoxy/alpha-ZrP-TBA nanocomposites are highly toughenable. With an addition of 3 vol% core-shell rubber particles, the K-IC value is improved from 0.55 to 1.55 MPa m(1/2). The usefulness of the present study for preparation of high-performance thermosetting polymers is discussed.