A nano-TiO2/regenerated cellulose biohybrid enables simultaneously improved strength and toughness of solid epoxy resins. (18th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Jiayao; Wang, Hengxu; Liu, Xiaohuan; Fu, Shenyuan; Song, Pingan
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 212(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-08-18
• Subjects: Cellulose -- Nano-TiO2 -- Solid epoxy resin -- Toughening -- Strengthening; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2021.108884
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: The intrinsic brittleness has significantly restricted practical applications of epoxy resins. Existing toughening strategies often lead to degraded mechanical strength. Hence, it has been attractive but a huge challenge to design high-performance sustainable additives that can simultaneously improve strength and toughness of epoxy resins. Here, we report the synthesis of a nano-TiO2 /regenerate cellulose (RC) biohybrid via a facile microwave method for strengthening and toughening a soft epoxy resin system (modulus below 1 GPa). Our results show that with 10 phr nano-TiO2 /RC, the resultant epoxy composite exhibits simultaneous enhancements in tensile strength and impact toughness, ca. 38% and 40% higher than corresponding values of virgin epoxy resin because of improved interfacial compatibility. Moreover, the addition of as-designed nano-TiO2 /RC can enhance thermostability of epoxy resin. It has a slightly negative effect on the curing reaction but does not change the curing mechanism of epoxy resins. This study provides a facile, efficient and green method for preparing bifunctional additive for creating strong and tough epoxy composites, which are expected to find wider applications in industries. Graphical abstract: Image 1