Using the Coats-Redfern Method during Thermogravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry Analysis of the Thermal Stability of Epoxy and Epoxy/Silica Nanoparticle Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this paper, we provide a study of the thermal decomposition behavior of epoxy and epoxy/silica nanoparticle nanocomposites by using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry techniques at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 600°C, using a constant heating rate of 10°C per minute under inert atmosphere. With increasing silica nanoparticle percentages of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%, the kinetic parameters of the activation energy, frequency factor, and thermodynamics property were determined at conversion ranges between 20% to 80% using the Coats-Redfern method for diffusion control reaction (Janders) model. The Arrhenius equation for epoxy decomposition at a heating rate of 10°Cper minute equaled 5.7278x e185.984/RT. Thermal decomposition occurred through two stages: (1) with volatile removal and (2) with a random chain break. The effects of variation of silica nanoparticle percentages on glass transition temperature was investigated. The activation energy, frequency factor, rate constant, and other thermodynamic properties increased with additional silica nanoparticle content due to more bonding, as it needed more heat to break.