This paper aims at reviewing the papers published in the last five years (2016-2020) on polymer nanocomposites based on epoxy resins. The different nano-fillers successfully added to epoxies to enhance some of their characteristics, in relation to the nature and the feature of each nano-filler, are illustrated. The organic-inorganic hybrid nano-structured epoxies are also introduced and their strong potential in many applications have been highlighted. The different methods and routes employed for the production of nano-filled/nano-structured epoxies are described. A discussion of the main properties and final performance, comprised durability, of epoxy nanocomposites, depending on chemical nature, shape and size of nano-particles and on their distribution, is presented. It is also shown why an efficient uniform dispersion of the nano-fillers in the epoxy matrix, along with strong interfacial interactions with the polymeric network, will guarantee the success of the application for which the nanocomposite is proposed. The mechanisms yielding to the improved properties in comparison to the neat polymer are illustrated. The most important applications in which these new materials can better exploit their uniqueness are finally presented, also evidencing the aspects that limit a wider diffusion.
Recent advances and trends of nano-filled/nano-structured epoxies
M. Frigione
;M. Lettieri
2020-01-01
Abstract
This paper aims at reviewing the papers published in the last five years (2016-2020) on polymer nanocomposites based on epoxy resins. The different nano-fillers successfully added to epoxies to enhance some of their characteristics, in relation to the nature and the feature of each nano-filler, are illustrated. The organic-inorganic hybrid nano-structured epoxies are also introduced and their strong potential in many applications have been highlighted. The different methods and routes employed for the production of nano-filled/nano-structured epoxies are described. A discussion of the main properties and final performance, comprised durability, of epoxy nanocomposites, depending on chemical nature, shape and size of nano-particles and on their distribution, is presented. It is also shown why an efficient uniform dispersion of the nano-fillers in the epoxy matrix, along with strong interfacial interactions with the polymeric network, will guarantee the success of the application for which the nanocomposite is proposed. The mechanisms yielding to the improved properties in comparison to the neat polymer are illustrated. The most important applications in which these new materials can better exploit their uniqueness are finally presented, also evidencing the aspects that limit a wider diffusion.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
