Case Study: Adhesive Utilized to Produce Nanocomposites

Overview

The white paper discusses the use of Master Bond EP114, a two-component nano silica-filled epoxy system, for producing nanocomposites via vacuum infiltration. EP114 is characterized by its excellent dimensional stability and a high glass transition temperature (Tg) exceeding 200°C upon curing. Its low initial mixed viscosity (500–1500 cps at room temperature) makes it particularly suitable for vacuum infiltration, allowing for the creation of dense nanocomposites.

Researchers at Florida International University investigated the interactions between freeze-dried graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) and boron-nitride nanoplatelet (BNNP) foams and EP114. The study aimed to address the challenge of agglomeration in nanoplatelets, which can reduce their effectiveness in applications such as electric double-layer capacitors. By fabricating GNP and BNNP into three-dimensional foams, the researchers sought to enhance mechanical strength while maintaining the properties of the nanocomposites.

The infiltration process involved heating the components of EP114 to 100°C to reduce viscosity, followed by a vacuum application to ensure complete penetration into the foam structure. The results indicated that all infiltrated foams achieved high densification levels (over 96%), demonstrating effective infiltration with minimal porosity. The study also highlighted that the presence of GNP and BNNP networks improved the thermal conductivity of the epoxy matrix without compromising the mechanical properties, as evidenced by hardness values comparable to neat EP114.

The findings suggest that EP114 can be effectively used to fabricate various freeze-dried foam/polymer nanocomposites, offering a promising approach to enhance the performance of materials used in advanced applications. The research underscores the potential of using low-viscosity epoxy resins for reinforcing nanoplatelet foams, paving the way for future developments in nanocomposite technology.