Recent progress in reinforcement of nanofillers in epoxy-based nanocomposites

Abstract

Now a days, nanocomposites have brought the attentions due to their small dimensions, ultimate large surface area, along with large applications in industrial fields. This review gives detailed information about the epoxy composites and nanofillers to improve their crystallinity, nanostructures and mechanical strengths. Due to the presence of aromatic rings in the structure, epoxy polymer has heat and chemical resistance of high limit. Epoxy and their composites have large applications in coatings and aircrafts. Since their commercial inception in 1947 by the Devve-Raynolds Company, epoxy has become the most extensively studied, researched thermoset polymer. Bisphenol A and Epoxy Novolac Resins are most commonly used epoxy resins. Their multi functionality is about 2.5 to 6.0 which differs epoxy resins from standard Diglycidyl ether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA)based epoxy resins. Epoxy is preferred over other polymer matrix due to its high durability, chemical resistance and high adhesive properties. Currently modified epoxy resins are used in making of natural fibre reinforced composites and different instrumental parts in industries and aircrafts. This review also aims to give emphasis on the recent advancements in fabrication of epoxy polymer composites and their various strengths with respect to different concentration of nanofillers. As we know that formation of composite is an exothermic process, thus this review also carries the promise to enhance the thermal and electrical conductivity of the epoxy polymer by encapsulating suitable nanofillers with appropriate molecular wt%.