1. Introduction

An short overview of epoxy resin properties, suitable tougheners and nanomodifications followed by an introduction into nanosilica nd it´s use in epoxy resins.

2. Epoxy Resins Modified with Silica Nanoparticles

• Toxicological Aspects of Silica Nanoparticles in Epoxy Resins

Overview regarding the many investigations performed in vitro and in vivo with silica nanoparticles, all concluding that they are harmless regarding toxicological aspects but should always be handled in a safe matrix like an epoxy resin.

• Property Improvements of Epoxy Resins by Silica Nanoparticle Modification

Major material properties of cured epoxy resins are improved by the addition fo silica nanoparticles. This depends of course on the chemical nature of the epoxy resin, the curing agent used and the addition level of nanosilica. Detailed information and links to even more detailed investigations are provided.

• Toughness Increase of Epoxy Resins by Nanosilica Modification and Mechanisms

The improvement of epoxy resin toughness as function of nanosilcia addition level is investigated and the underlying toughening mechanisms are explained in detail.

• Synergy Between Elastomeric Tougheners and Silica Nanoparticles: Further Property Improvements

The synergie found between nanoscale toughening and macroscale elastomeric tougheners is investigated. Apparently it is related to  the morphology of the cured resin rather than to the chemical nature of the elastomeric toughener. Links to all relevant recent studies

3. Improving Epoxy Resin Applications with Silica Nanoparticles

• Adhesives

The toughness and fatgue performance of structural epopxy adhesives can be improved by the use of silica nanoparticles in the adhesive formulation. Of course this is related to the adhesive formulation and the nanosilica addition level - many details are provided

• Stereolithography (SLA)

The property improvements of UV-curable epoxy resin formulations (mainly based on cycloaliphatic epoxies) achieved by the use of nanosilica are reported.

• Coatings

Currently nanosilica is not used in relevant cioating applications, hence the few studies available are mentioned.

• Electronic Applications

A very interesting field of application, in which nanosilica-modified epoxy resins are used widely. Examples of applications and the property improvements achieved are given.

• Fiber-Reinforced Composites

By far the largest application area currently for epoxy resins modified with nanosilica. They offer many advantages compared to unmodified systems as well as to other modifications, hence many examples are given and many links to very detailed investigations are given

Conclusions and Outlook

Taking into account the price/performance ratio of nanosilica-modified epoxy resins, their widespread use within severa inustrial applications is more than justified and they will show a significant further grow.

The most promising area for future epoxy resin formulation and subsequent epoxy resin property improvement is the combination of nanosilica with ther modifications, i.e. elastomeric tougheners, graphene, macroscaled fillers - just to mention a few.