Encyclopedia
Surface-modified silica nanoparticles are available as concentrates in epoxy resins in
industrial quantities for nearly 20 years. Meanwhile, they are used in many epoxy resin formulations
for various applications like fiber-reinforced composites, adhesives or electronic components; even in
space vehicles like satellites. Some of the drawbacks of “classic” epoxy toughening using elastomers
as a second phase, like lower modulus or a loss in strength can be compensated by using nanosilica
together with such tougheners. Apparently, there exists a synergy as toughness and fatigue
performance are increased significantly. This work intends to provide an overview regarding the
possibilities of nanotoughening with silica, the industrial applications of such epoxy resin formulations
and the most recent research results. Furthermore an overview of other material improvements achieved by the modification of epoxy resins with nanosilica is given.
- epoxy resin
- silica nanoparticles
- toughening
- fatigue
- nanotoxicity
- 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.
- Epoxy Resins Modified with Silica Nanoparticles
- Toxicological Aspects of Silica Nanoparticles in Epoxy Resins
- Epoxy Resins Modified with Silica Nanoparticles
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.
- PrToxicoloperty Improvemengical Aspects of Epoxy Resins by Silica Nanoparticle Modificatios in Epoxy Resins
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.
- TProughness Increaseperty Improvements of Epoxy Resins by NanosilicaSilica Nanoparticle 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.
- SyToughnergy Between Elastomeric Tougheners and Sss Increase of Epoxy Resins by Nanosilica Nanoparticles: Further Property ImprovementModification and Mechanisms
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
- Improving Epoxy Resin Applications with Silica Nanoparticles
- Synergy Between Elastomeric Tougheners and Silica Nanoparticles: Further Property Improvements
- 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)
- Improving Epoxy Resin Applications with Silica Nanoparticles
The property improvements of UV-curable epoxy resin formulations (mainly based on cycloaliphatic epoxies) achieved by the use of nanosilica are reported.
- CoatAdhesingves
Currently nanosilica is not used in relevant cioating applications, hence the few studies available are mentioned.
- ElStectronic Applicationsreolithography (SLA)
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 Compositeatings
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
- Electronic Applications
- Fiber-Reinforced Composites
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.
- Conclusions and Outlook
- Introduction
- Epoxy Resins Modified with Silica Nanoparticles
- Toxicological Aspects of Silica Nanoparticles in Epoxy Resins
- Property Improvements of Epoxy Resins by Silica Nanoparticle Modification
- Toughness Increase of Epoxy Resins by Nanosilica Modification and Mechanisms
- Synergy Between Elastomeric Tougheners and Silica Nanoparticles: Further Property Improvements
- Improving Epoxy Resin Applications with Silica Nanoparticles
- Adhesives
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Coatings
- Electronic Applications
- Fiber-Reinforced Composites
- Conclusions and Outlook
