Hybrid Epoxy Nanocomposites: Improvement in Mechanical Properties and Toughening Mechanisms-A Review

This article presents a review on the recent advances in the field of ternary diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy nanocomposites containing nanoparticles and other modifiers. Particular attention is paid to their mechanical and thermal properties. The properties of epoxy resins were improved by incorporating various single toughening agents, in solid or liquid states. This latter process often resulted in the improvement in some properties at the expense of others. The use of two appropriate modifiers for the preparation of hybrid composites, possibly will show a synergistic effect on the performance properties of the composites. Due to the huge amount of modifiers that were used, the present paper will focus mainly on largely employed nanoclays with modifiers in a liquid and solid state. The former modifier contributes to an increase in the flexibility of the matrix, while the latter modifier is intended to improve other properties of the polymer depending on its structure. Various studies which were carried out on hybrid epoxy nanocomposites confirmed the occurrence of a synergistic effect within the tested performance properties of the epoxy matrix. Nevertheless, there are still ongoing research works using other nanoparticles and other modifiers aiming at enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resins. Despite numerous studies carried out so far to assess the fracture toughness of epoxy hybrid nanocomposites, some problems still remain unresolved. Many research groups are dealing with many aspects of the subject, namely the choice of modifiers and preparation methods, while taking into account the protection of the environment and the use of components from natural resources.

Automated summary

This article reviews recent advances in ternary diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy nanocomposites with nanoparticles and other modifiers, focusing on their mechanical and thermal properties. Various single toughening agents, in solid or liquid states, have been incorporated to enhance the properties of epoxy resins. The use of two appropriate modifiers for hybrid composites can potentially have a synergistic effect on performance properties. The study mainly focuses on widely used nanoclays with modifiers in both liquid and solid states. Some studies have confirmed the synergistic effect in the performance properties of epoxy matrix, but ongoing research is still exploring other nanoparticles and modifiers to further enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resins.