Abstract
Alpha-zirconium phosphate (Zr(O3POH)2·H2O, α-ZrP) nanoplatelets were exfoliated using tetra-n-butylammonium hydroxide (TBA) and cured through the anionic phosphonate on the surface of the exfoliated α-ZrP-TBA. α-ZrP-TBA can both initiate an anionic polymerization of epoxy monomers and serve as reinforcing agents for epoxy matrix. The epoxy/α-ZrP-TBA nanocomposites exhibit greatly increased Young's modulus of 4.3 GPa, while maintaining a relative high glass transition temperature of 110 °C. In addition, epoxy/α-ZrP-TBA nanocomposites are highly toughenable. With an addition of 3 vol% core-shell rubber particles, the KIC value is improved from 0.55 to 1.55 MPa m1/2. The usefulness of the present study for preparation of high-performance thermosetting polymers is discussed.
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