Zhyltsova S. Anhydride cured epoxy-silica nanocomposites obtained via the sol-gel method

Object: regularities of formation and properties of anhydride cured epoxy-silica nanocomposites received using sol-gel method for obtaining of silica particles. The goal of the research: investigation of structure and properties of epoxy-silica nanocomposites received via the sol-gel method using anhydride curing for epoxy matrix formation. Research methods: small-angle X-ray scattering; transmission electron microscopy; scanning electron microscopy; thermomechanical analysis; differential thermomechanical analysis; sol-gel analysis; differential scanning calorimetry; dynamic mechanical analysis; gas-volumometric analysis; derivatographic analysis. Stress-strain, adhesion strength, and resistance of composites to aggressive media were investigated. Results: homogeneous anhydride cured epoxy-silica nanocomposites were obtained using sol-gel method. Silica particles' sols were obtained via mixing of tetraethoxysilane and 3-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane at different molar ratios. The higher the silica content and amount of 3-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane in the system the more plasticization effect was observed. In the filler concentration range 0.5-3 mas% the effect of small additions was observed. Effective molecular weight of chain between junctions decreases, and it leads to reinforcement effect and increase of composites' mechanical properties. Received composites possessed good thermal stability, high chemical resistance and adhesion to aluminum alloys in the region of low filler concentrations. Applications: hot cured coatings and adhesives for aluminum alloys, wear-resistant antifriction polymeric composites for steel and titanium friction pairs.