Thermo-mechanical and surface properties of POSS reinforced structurally different diamine cured epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

In the present study three structurally different diamines namely bisphenol-A based ether diamine, octane diol based ether diamine, and capron based diamine were synthesized and characterized using FT-IR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectra. These diamines were used to cure DGEBA epoxy resin and were reinforced with NH₂–POSS in different weight percentages (1%, 3% and 5% wt) to obtain epoxy matrices and composites. Data obtained from thermo-mechanical, dielectric and surface studies were compared with those of neat epoxy matrix cured with diamino diphenyl methane (DDM). The surface morphology was ascertained from the XRD and SEM analysis and the presence of POSS in the composites was ascertained from the TEM images. The capron based diamine cured epoxy matrix shows better improvement in tensile strength and impact strength of 39.8% and 137.0% respectively than those of neat epoxy cured with diamino diphenyl methane (DDM). The value of contact angle (91.3°) of the capron based diamine cured epoxy composites infers that the epoxy matrix becomes hydrophobic nature. Data obtained from different studies suggest that the capron diamine cured epoxy matrix can be used in the form of a coating, encapsulant, or a sealant for different industrial and engineering applications for better performance and improved longevity.