TGBAPB/F-MF hybrid epoxy nanocomposites with improved mechanical, thermal, thermo-mechanical and dielectric properties

To generate hybrid high functionality epoxy nanocomposites, different weight percentages of amine-functionalized mullite fiber (F-MF) were mixed with tetraglycidyl (TGBAPB) epoxy resin. 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) was used as a coupling agent to create an amine-functionalized mullite fiber F-MF. The TGBAPB epoxy resin was reinforced with various weight percentages (1, 1.5, and 2 wt%), of F-MF nanocomposite combinations and cured with 4,4′-diamino diphenylmethane (DDM). The molecular structure of F-MF was determined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) investigated the morphology of hybrid epoxy nanocomposites. Furthermore, we identified a covalent link between the F-MF epoxy and TGBAPB epoxy matrix, which resulted in a considerable improvement in thermal, thermo-mechanical, mechanical, dielectric, and water absorption behavior in TGBAPB hybrid epoxy nanocomposites. Hence, we recommend the possible use of hybrid epoxy nanocomposites for advanced engineering applications that require both toughness and stiffness, which are essential for automotive, electronics and advanced aerospace applications for improved performance and longevity than the materials that are currently in use.