Formation Of Crosslinked Network Research Articles

Interaction between the phase separation and flow-induced crystallization process in polyethylene/ethylene-methacrylic acid ionomers (surlyn) blends during the film blowing: An in-situ synchrotron radiation X-ray scattering study

A homemade blown film methodology simultaneously coupled with in-situ synchrotron radiation small and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) measurement was assisted to investigate the immiscibility (phase separation) mingled with the flow-induced crystallization of the polyethylene (PE)/surlyn blends during the film blowing process. The whole process is studied within three different regions (I, II, and III) of the bubble along the take-up direction, where the microstructure and temperature evolutions exhibit significantly distinct behaviors. In the SAXS patterns, the equatorial streak signal in the vicinity of the die exit indicates the phase separation among the different polymer components, which is in particular strong in blends consisting of both PE (blends of LDPE, LLDPE, and co-ethylene) and surlyn. The equatorial streak signal attenuates progressively but remains obvious within Region I. The disappearance of phase separation induced by strong flow is an exothermic process, which suppresses the cross-linked crystal network formation prior to the frost line (Af) within Region II. After the frost line, the main structural evolution is the formation of the non-deformable scaffold during the completion of crystallization along the bubble. It is found that the initial phase separation shows a limited influence on the final structure of the cross-linked crystal network, the effect of phase separation on the crystallization in Region I is eliminated due to the flow field and sufficient crystallization time ultimately. This work should be supportive for extended study and understanding of the structural evolutions of polymer blends during the film blowing.

Toward Mechanically Robust Crosslinked Elastomers through Phase Transfer Agent Tuning the Solubility of Zn2+ in the Organic Phase.

Zinc oxide (ZnO), which is toxic to aquatic organisms, is widely used as an activator in the rubber industry. The reduction of ZnO content is one of the efficient ways to tackle ecological environment impacts induced by ZnO. However, the incompatibility between Zn2+ and organic matrix inhibits the solubility and activity of Zn2+ in the organic matrix, causing the heavy use of ZnO. This work develops a phase transfer agent with Zn2+-philic structure and oleophilic structure to increase the solubility of Zn2+ in the organic matrix. The phase transfer agent and Zn2+ form coordination interactions, while the hydrophobic chains of phase transfer agent and organic matrix form hydrophobic interactions. The above two interactions improve the solubility and activity of Zn2+ in the organic matrix, contributing to the formation of crosslinking network. Through the phase transfer agent strategy, we obtain the mechanically robust elastomers, and the samples with low ZnO content still maintain the superior properties. This work provides an efficient way to reduce ZnO content without sacrificing the performance of elastomers.

Furanic Humins from Biorefinery as Biobased Binder for Bitumen.

To decrease the environmental impact of bitumen, more sustainable binders should be proposed. This study emphasizes how industrial humins co-produced during the biorefining of carbohydrates can be employed as a macromolecular binder for bitumen. Humins are heterogeneous polyfuranic compounds, and they were mixed at 50 wt% with bitumen. When the non-water-soluble fractions of humins were employed (Hns), no variation of the chemical structure was observed in FTIR spectra after the mixing. The DSC investigations showed that the crystallization of aromatic fractions in bitumen shifted to higher temperature for humins’ modified bitumen. The thermogravimetric data highlighted that the presence of humins or Hns in bitumen can lead to mass loss below 200 °C. The rheological investigations highlighted some key advantages of using humins or Hns with bitumen. At high temperatures, the storage modulus of the modified bitumen is increased and shows lower susceptibility to variations in frequency. At low temperatures, the phase angle of Hns-modified bitumen is lower than that of bitumen, suggesting less temperature susceptibility as a consequence of a cross-linked network formation.

The Dual Effect of Rho-Kinase Inhibition on Trabecular Meshwork Cells Cytoskeleton and Extracellular Matrix in an In Vitro Model of Glaucoma.

The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the main site of drainage of the aqueous humor, and its dysfunction leads to intraocular pressure elevation, which is one of the main risk factors of glaucoma. We aimed to compare the effects on cytoskeleton organization and extracellular matrix (ECM) of latanoprost (LT) and a Rho-kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) on a transforming growth factor beta2 (TGF-β2)-induced glaucoma-like model developed from primary culture of human TM cells (pHTMC). The TGF-β2 stimulated pHTMC were grown and incubated with LT or a ROCKi (Y-27632) for 24 h. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and fibronectin (FN), and phosphorylation of the myosin light chain (MLC-P) and Cofilin (Cofilin-P) were evaluated using immunofluorescence and Western blot. The architectural modifications were studied in a MatrigelTM 3D culture. TGF-β2 increased the expression of αSMA and FN in pHTMC and modified the cytoskeleton with cross-linked actin network formation. LT did not alter the expression of αSMA but decreased FN deposition. The ROCKi decreased TGF-β2-induced αSMA and FN expression, as well as MLC-P and Cofilin-P, and stimulated the cells to recover a basal cytoskeletal arrangement. In the preliminary 3D study, pHTMC organized in a mesh conformation showed the widening of the TM under the effect of Y-27632. By simultaneously modifying the organization of the cytoskeleton and the ECM, with fibronectin deposition and overexpression, TGF-β2 reproduced the trabecular degeneration described in glaucoma. The ROCKi was able to reverse the TGF-β2-induced cytoskeletal and ECM rearrangements. LT loosened the extracellular matrix but had no action on the stress fibers.

ANGPTL7 is transcriptionally regulated by SP1 and modulates glucocorticoid-induced cross-linked actin networks in trabecular meshwork cells via the RhoA/ROCK pathway

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of worldwide irreversible blindness. Lowering elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only effective approach for controlling the progress of glaucoma. Angiopoietin-like 7 (ANGPTL7) takes a key part in elevated outflow resistance of aqueous humor in dysfunctional trabecular meshwork (TM), along with the formation of cross-linked actin networks (CLANs), leading to high IOP. In this study, we explored the role of the ANGPTL7 signaling pathway in CLAN formation. We detected the expression of ANGPTL7 in cultured primary TM cells treated with dexamethasone (DEX) and ethanol as a control using qRT-PCR and western blotting. Actin filaments were revealed by phalloidin staining. ANGPTL7 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was applied to TM cells to examine the effect of ANGPTL7 on DEX-induced CLAN formation. Western blotting was used to assess the effect of ANGPTL7 on the RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (Rho-kinase/ROCK) signaling pathway. Bioinformatics, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were employed to identify the transcription factors of ANGPTL7. Transcription factor specificity protein 1 (SP1) overexpression and silencing were performed to determine their roles in the modulation of ANGPTL7 expression. We found DEX-induced ANGPTL7 expression and stress fiber rearrangement in TM cells. ANGPTL7 knockdown effectively inhibited the formation of CLANs. Moreover, it was involved in the regulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway, further affecting DEX-induced CLAN formation. SP1 was identified as a transcription factor of ANGPTL7 which regulated ANGPTL7 level to mediate CLAN formation through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. This study contributes to revealing the molecular mechanisms of ANGPTL7 in CLAN formation, which is involved in TM dysfunction and glaucoma pathogenesis.

Amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes/polyphosphazene hybrids for improving the fire safety and mechanical properties of epoxy

To expand further modern industrial applications of epoxy resin (EP), the urgent problems of flammability and poor mechanical properties have to be solved. Therefore, amino-functionalized carbon nanotubes (AFP@CNTs) was designed and successfully synthesized to enhance the comprehensive properties, including fire safety and mechanical properties. Especially, the flame retardant mechanism, the combustion and pyrolysis process of EP/AFP@CNTs were investigated as well. With the addition of 1.5 ​wt% AFP@CNTs, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of EP were reduced by 27.6% and 29.0%, respectively, which may due to the cooperative effect between the phosphorus-nitrogen synergistic flame retardant of polyphosphazene and the cohesive phase flame retardant of carbon nanotubes. In addition, the mechanical performance of EP/AFP@CNTs composites were also investigated. The results showed that the impact strength, tensile strength and the storage modulus effectively increased by 65.0%, 29.0% and 13.2%, respectively. Meanwhile, the change of the combustion and pyrolysis process of EP/AFP@CNTs may be attributed to the catalytic effect of the amino-functionalized polyphosphazene, which could participate in the formation of epoxy thermal curing crosslinking network and catalyze the degradation process of epoxy resin.

Nanocomposites of polyethylene with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane: from thermoplastics to vitrimers through silyl ether metathesis

In this contribution, we reported the transformation of linear polyethylene-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (PE-POSS) copolymers into PE vitrimers through silyl ether metathesis. First, the PE-POSS copolymers were synthesized via the ring-opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP) of cyclooctene with heptaisobutyl POSS-norbornene followed by subsequent hydrogenation reaction. The PE-POSS copolymers were microphase -separated, and the POSS cages were aggregated into the microdomains with the size of 10–20 nm. The thermoplastic PE-POSS nanocomposites were transformed into the PE vitrimers via direct silyl ether metathesis, which was catalyzed with zinc trifluoromethyl sulfonate [Zn(OTf)2]. It was found that the cross-linking with the dynamic covalent bonds occurred within the POSS microdomains. The cross-linking significantly influenced the morphologies and thermal and mechanical properties of the materials. More importantly, the cross-linked PE products displayed the self-adaptivity at elevated temperature, that is, the PE-POSS thermoplastics were transformed into PE-polysilsesquioxane vitrimers. Because of the formation of cross-linked networks, the PE vitrimers were endowed with shape memory properties. In the meantime, the permanent shapes of the shape memory PEs can readily be reprogrammed by taking advantage of the self-adaptivity of the vitrimers.

Intrinsically Viscoelastic Supramolecular Conjugated Polymer toward Suppressing Coffee-Ring Effect

Intrinsically Viscoelastic Supramolecular Conjugated Polymer toward Suppressing Coffee-Ring Effect

Incorporation of hydroxyapatite in crosslinked gelatin/chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) hybrids utilizing as reinforced composite sponges, and their water absorption ability

The crosslinked gelatin/chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/hydroxyapatite (GEL/CTS/PVA/HAp, GCPH) sponges were fabricated by a freeze-drying method to yield the reinforced composite sponges with proper features. The porosity value and pore size of the crosslinked GCPH sponges reached ∼80% and 50–100 ​μm, respectively, which can be an appropriate range to allow cells to migrate into the reinforced composite sponges in the tissue engineering technology. Besides, the proper bonding presence between HAp particles and the crosslinked polymeric matrix or the crosslinked network formation between the polymers were also proved through fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal gravimetric (TG/DTG) analysis. Owing to incorporation of HAp particles and good distribution of HAp particles inside the crosslinked polymeric matrix, their mechanical properties were improved through the determination of compression tests. Concomitantly, their water absorption ability reached effectively in both the distilled water and NaCl solution, and their recovery also maintained well for 10 absorbing–squeezing cycles to be considered as an effective reusability for the crosslinked sponge system. Thereby, the crosslinked GCPH sponge prepared in the present study can become a potential candidate to apply especially in the biomedical/medical applications and tissue engineering technology.

Hierarchical brain-coral-like structure (3D) vs rod-like structure (1D): Effect on electromagnetic wave loss features of SrFe12O19 and CoFe2O4

Morphological configuration plays a vital role in regulating the absorption performance of magnetic materials. Herein, a novel challenge is discussed on electromagnetic loss features of two hard and soft magnetic materials with hierarchical brain-coral like structure and rod-like structure. In this study, pure SrFe12O19 (Sr) as hard magnetic component and CoFe2O4 (Co) as soft magnetic component with two distinct morphologies were successfully synthesized by facile hydrothermal and solvothermal methods. In the first approach, electromagnetic loss features of rod and brain-coral-like particles were investigated, and in second approach -according to the obtained results-microwave absorption performance of a mixture of hard/soft magnetic components with hierarchical structure were evaluated. The minimal reflection loss (RL) for brain-coral-like particles of individual Sr and Co samples were −17.6 dB (at 18.8 GHz with 9 mm thickness) and −31.2 dB (at 8.1 GHz with 10 mm thickness), respectively, which show far better performance than rod-like structure. Remarkably, the composite of Sr and Co micro-particles with hierarchical structure exhibited strong RL value of −38 dB with 2.6 GHz effective absorption bandwidth at the thickness of 2.5 mm, with a filling ratio of 40 wt%. According to the results, it is founded that the electromagnetic loss features are crucially boosted via hierarchical configuration of magnetic materials. Increment in complex permittivity and permeability, accounting for the formation of cross-linked networks in the hierarchical structure, promoted the interfacial polarization phenomena with different relaxation times and appearance of multi resonance peaks.

"CHicable" and "Clickable" Copolymers for Network Formation and Surface Modification.

In this study, we present the generation of novel, multifunctional polymer networks through a combination of C,H-insertion cross-linking (CHic) and click chemistry. To this, copolymers consisting of hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide as matrix component and repeat units containing azide moieties, as well as benzophenone or anthraquinone groups, are generated. The benzophenone or anthraquinone groups allow photo-cross-linking, surface attachment or covalent immobilization of adjacent (bio)molecules through CHic reactions. The azide moieties either can react with available alkynes through conventional click reactions or can be activated to form nitrenes, which can also undergo CHic reactions. By choosing appropriate reaction conditions, the same polymer can be used to follow very different reaction paths, opening up a plethora of choices for the generation of functional polymer networks. In the exemplary presented case ("CHic-Click"), irradiation of the copolymers with UV-A light (λirr = 365 nm) leads to cross-linking (network formation) and surface attachment simultaneously. The azide units remain intact during this cross-linking step, and alkyne-modified (bio)molecules can be bound through click reactions. Biofunctionalization of the polymer network with alkynylated streptavidin, followed by application of biotin-conjugated antibody and a model analyte, highlights the potential of these surface architectures as a toolbox which can be adapted for diverse bioanalytical applications.

Crosslinked network formation beyond graft copolymers in transparent bisphenol-A Polycarbonate/Poly(methyl methacrylate) blends catalyzed by bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide based organic salts

It has been widely accepted that the promoted transparency of bisphenol-A Polycarbonate/Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PC/PMMA) blends was attributed to the transesterification induced PC-graft(g)-PMMA copolymer formation during melt extrusion of the blends. However, prior studies fall short of detailed characterization of the PC-g-PMMA copolymers. In this paper, we investigated the effect of different bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide-based salts on the compatibilization and optical transparency properties of PC/PMMA blends. It was found that Mg(TFSI)2 showed the best compatibilization effect and could enable transparent blend films for PC/PMMA blends at all PMMA compositions as manifested from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, differential scanning calorimetry(DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis(TGA). Moreover, elution experiments with mutual solvent left intractable portion indication crosslinked network formation beyond PC-g-PMMA copolymers. Finally, the detailed structure of PC-g-PMMA copolymers was studied by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to analyze the detailed structure of the PC-g-PMMA copolymers formed during melt extrusion.

The formation of crystal cross-linked network in sequential biaxial stretching of poly(ethylene terephthalate): The essential role of MD pre-stretch

Combining a homemade uniaxial stretching device and the simultaneous in-situ synchrotron radiation WAXS measurement, the structural evolution during transverse direction (TD) stretching of machine direction (MD) pre-stretched Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film has been investigated. Current work reveals that increasing the MD pre-stretch before the occurrence of stretch induced crystallization (SIC) can enhance the crystallization and orientation in TD stretching. The concept of parallel chains structures (PCS) cross-linked network is proposed to interpret the rubber-like mechanical behavior. An appropriate stretch ratio window in stretching above the glass transition temperature (Tg) is existed, where the PCS cross-linked network before crystallization can be induced by stretching above Tg. With the help of the PCS cross-linked network, the chain orientation is retained more effectively under stretching, promoting the formation of subsequent crystallization and crystal cross-linking network. The strain hardening in different pre-stretched samples occurs accompanied by the same crystallinity and various chains orientation. This demonstrates that the strain hardening is determined by the crystal cross-linked network rather than the orientation. Current work supplies a guidance for getting the improved film products of PET with enhanced comprehensive mechanical properties, process stability and higher chain orientation.

Effect of isocyanate crosslinkers blocked with amine derivatives on rheological and crosslinking characteristics of automotive clearcoats

Isocyanate crosslinkers with blocking agents based on various amine derivatives were newly synthesized for automotive clearcoat applications. Amine-based blocking agents were prepared by varying the alkyl substituent attached on both sides of the main nitrogen atom (named DEA, DiPA, NtBEA, and NtBiA) to modify their deblocking feature in blocked isocyanates (BIs) and curing reaction under thermal curing conditions. Curing properties of clearcoats containing amine-based BIs were characterized at the normal curing temperature of 150°C and were compared with those by the commercialized BI, Desmodur® PL350. The dissociation ability of the amine-based BIs was interpreted using the density functional theory (DFT) simulation under their optimized geometric configurations. The urethane reaction between isocyanate group in BIs and hydroxyl group in a hydroxyl-functionalized polyol binder within clearcoats was confirmed from the OH stretching absorbance data via Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer. The real-time cross-linking dynamics of various clearcoats with amine-based BIs were comprehensively investigated using rotational rheometer and rigid-body pendulum tester. The surface mechanical properties of fully-cured clearcoat films were measured by nano-indentation and nano-scratch testers to address the crosslinked network formation caused by amine-based BIs. It is demonstrated that the amine-based BIs could be favorably applied to thermal curing process of clearcoats, based on their reactivity and curing performance.

Effects of gellan gum and inulin on mixed-gel properties and molecular structure of gelatin.

Gellan gum (GG) is often added to gelatin (GL) to improve the gel property. GG‐based or inulin (IL)‐based hydrogels were developed. Rigid and brittle gels or smooth and delicate gels were prepared with GG and IL, respectively. This study aimed to explore the properties and interaction mechanisms of the mixed‐gel system containing GL, GG, and IL, in which different ratios of GG‐IL (0.4%) (10:0, 8:2, 6:4, 5:5, 4:6, 2:8, and 0:10) were added to GL (6%). Texture profiles, rheological properties, water mobility, intermolecular forces, circular dichroism (CD) spectra, and microstructures were analyzed. The results showed that addition of GG‐IL could improve the hardness, chewiness, and cohesiveness of mixed‐gel, besides maintaining appropriate springiness. Water mobility of the mixed‐gel decreased while viscoelasticity increased upon the addition GG. At GG:IL = 2:8, the melting temperature of mixed‐gel was far higher than that of GL gel itself. The GL‐GG‐IL gel showed decrease in nonspecific bonding and increase in hydrogen bonding compared with the GL gel. CD spectra indicated the promotion of GL unfolding by GG, hence suggesting the binding of GG to GL; binding ability was better at GG:IL >5:5. Cryo‐SEM provided evidence for the formation of cross‐linked network within GL‐GG‐IL. Overall, we concluded that addition of GG‐IL to GL system would be most suitable for improving the properties of mixed‐gel. This finding may be potentially applicable in the further development of gel food products, such as meat jellies and gummy jellies.

Preparation of isocyanate-free composite coating with controlled molecular architecture: A new convergent approach to functional macromolecules

Isocyanate-free composite coating can improve radiative cooling, energy storage and harvesting applications. This study reports the development and use of a isocyanate-free green surface coating(GSC) matrix derived from (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxy radical (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose-(3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS)-ZnO nanoparticles-green polymer matrix that possesses upto ∼220 °C thermal stability. The GSC exhibited excellent UV block and IR active capacity while achieving good coating hardness. The NMR, TGA-DTG and Pencil hardness studies revealed that this attribute by GSC was due to the formation of uniform crosslinking and reinforcement network. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the GSC had a low resistance. A high charge transfer resistance of ∼15.826 kΩ was measured using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for the GSC, high enough to attenuate photon radiation, making GSC material stable for application. Also, UV-weathering study was performed to investigate coating stability of the GSC. This is the first time application of TEMPO-cellulose based reinforcement of the green polymer matrix for the development of GSC through convergent approach to functional macromolecules. The study opens an opportunity of utilizing green material in energy applications, especially in windows shielding by a sufficient attenuation of photon radiations.

Formation of Stereocomplex Crystal and Its Effect on the Morphology and Property of PDLA/PLLA Blends.

Stereocomplex-polylactic acid (SC-PLA) is obtained in poly(d-lactic) acid/poly(l-lactic) acid (PDLA/PLLA) blends under adjusting processing conditions. It is found that the degree of crystallinity of overall SC-PLA is up to 43.7% in PDLA/PLLA blends of 1:1 mass ratio. Formation of stereocomplex (SC) crystals forces molecular chains in the blends to be more closely arranged and further enhances interaction between molecular chains, thus forming a physical cross-linking network in the SC crystals, resulting in the blends having a special microstructure. The mechanism of formation of the SC crystal physical cross-linking network is elucidated by dielectric spectroscopy, and the relationships between homocomplex (HC) crystals, SC crystals, and amorphous regions in the blends are also analyzed. Interestingly, mechanical properties of the blends are significantly improved due to formation of an SC crystal cross-linking network.

Structural and dimensional analysis of LDPE/TPS blend filled with calcium carbonate

This study aims to investigates the changes in structural, thermal stability and water absorption properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS) before and after modification with citric acid and ascorbic acid. The first stage of study involved the preparation of TPS from native potato starch. Starch will be converted into thermoplastic like in the presence of glycerol as plasticizer. For the second stage, LDPE was blended with TPS to produce LDPE/TPS blend with and without modification. Then, the influence of calcium carbonate as particulate filler on the properties of LDPE/TPS blends was also investigated. Structural findings based on the FTIR analysis showed the formation of new ester bond on the TPS backbone after the modification, which correspond to the formation of crosslinking network in TPS phase. Water absorption test was used to determine the effectiveness of TPS modification in term of physical interaction between the phases.

Cross-Linked Networks in Poly(propylene carbonate) by Incorporating (Maleic Anhydride/cis-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydrophthalic Anhydride) Oligomer in CO2/Propylene Oxide Copolymerization: Improving and Tailoring Thermal, Mechanical, and Dimensional Properties.

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) from CO2 and propylene oxide (PO) has wide potential applications as a degradable “plastic”. However, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of PPC cannot meet most of the application requirements. Herein, we focus on improving these properties. A (maleic anhydride/cis-1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride) (MA/THPA) oligomer containing several cyclocarboxylic anhydride groups, which can copolymerize with PO, has been readily synthesized and used as the third comonomer to prepare PPC with cross-linked networks. The gel contents increase from 16 to 42% with increasing MA/THPA oligomer feed contents from 0.5 to 4 wt % of PO. The formation of cross-linked networks in PPC greatly improves the thermal, mechanical, and dimensional properties. The 5% weight-loss degradation temperature increases from 217 °C to nearly 290 °C before and after cross-linking, which ensures that PPC does not decompose in melt processing. The tensile strength of the copolymer is in the range of 22.2–44.3 MPa with elongation at break of 11–312%. The maximum tensile strength is improved by 143% compared to that of PPC. When the MA/THPA oligomer feed is above 3 wt % of PO, the hot-set elongation of the copolymer at 65 °C decreases more than 10 times when compared with that of PPC, and the permanent deformation is close to 0, while it is 145% for PPC. The dimensional stability is improved sharply. It can overcome the cold flow phenomenon of PPC. The improvement of the above comprehensive properties is of great significance to the practical application of PPC in various fields.

Morphological features, dielectric and thermal properties of epoxy–copper cobaltite nanocomposites: preparation and characterization

Epoxy (LY-556/HY-951) system was cured at ambient temperature and its copper cobaltite nanocomposites with different percentage loadings of nanoparticles were prepared via powered shear mixing with HY-951 (triethylene-tetra-amine, TETA) hardener. Characterizations of the nanocomposites were done by various methods like XRD, TEM, FTIR, TGA, DSC, SEM, VNA, DETA and XPS. XRD, XPS and TEM showed the successful preparation of copper cobaltite nanoparticles. Further, FTIR studies confirmed accomplishment of curing and consequently the formation of cross-linked network in the nanocomposites. The morphological analysis revealed that the nanoparticles of the copper cobaltite were uniformly distributed inside the epoxy matrix to 5% loading. The enhancement in impact properties of nanocomposites with increase in filler content was supported by fractured surface studies for even distribution of copper cobaltite nanoparticles. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed enhancement in thermal stability as well as positive shift in the glass transition temperature for epoxy with copper cobaltite filler in comparison to neat epoxy resin. The positive shift in the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites indicated improved interaction between copper cobaltite and epoxy matrix. These nanocomposites were also evaluated for their electromagnetic properties using dielectric thermal analyzer (DETA) and vector network analyzer (VNA) for determination of their permittivity and permeability, respectively. The improved thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic properties of epoxy–copper cobaltite nanocomposites make them potential candidates for microwave applications in a wide range of areas.