Synthesis, characterization and effects of addition of titania particles on properties of epoxy-amine matrix

Abstract

The present study aimed at synthesis, characterization and effect of addition of titania particles [Ti02 nanoparticles (TNP) and mesoporous titania (MT)] on the properties of epoxy-amine matrix. For this purpose, titania particles were synthesized and subj ected to different processes, i.e. thermal and surface treatment. The treated titania particles were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD. These particles were embedded in epoxy matrix to form titania epoxy composite (TENC, MTEC) and surface functionalized titania epoxy composites (FTENC, FMTEC) with 5 and 7.5 wt. % titania particles (TNP, MT). The prepared composites were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, and XRD. It was found that initial decomposition temperature (IDT), % char yield and glass transition temperatures were greater for TENC and MTEC as compared to neat system due to presence of crystalline titania palticles. FTENC and FMTEC on the other hand possess greater contact angle. The increased in contact angle was due to incorporation of £1uoro moiety in epoxy amine matrix in the form of per£1uoroheptanoie acid on the surface of titania particles. Epoxy resins have been extensiv ly llsed in differ Ilt induqtrial appli ratio q (mel tlw 'r properties can be enhanced using different inorganic palticulates which demand careful knowledge of cure kinetics. For this purpose curing kinetics of epoxy titania systems were carried out. The curing kinetic parameters i.e. activation energy and Auhenius constant were calculated by Kissinger and Ozawa methods using dynamic DSC. Kinetic parameters were lower for TENC as compared to FTENC and neat system due to catalytic effect ofTi02 on curing of epoxy resins. Kinetic parameters for FTENC were almost similar to neat system which shows that surface modification oftitania particles retards its catalytic activity