AbstractsChemistry

This study presents the development of a nanocomposite using carbon black and Epoxy Resin 828 to improve the curing kinetics of nanocomposite. There is little to no data on curing kinetics of silanized carbon nanocomposite. In this study, carbon black was modified using silanization process to improve its dispersion in epoxy resin which resulted in a change of curing kinetics. Silanization is a surface modification technique to improve carbon black stability and decrease agglomeration of carbon black during the mixing process. Different methods such as stability in acetone, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) were used to confirm the silanization process of carbon black. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used to test the curing kinetics of carbon black nanocomposite. In order to find the curing kinetics of nanocomposite using DSC, finding a baseline was essential. Epoxy resin 828 and 12%wt curing agent were mixed and samples were tested in DSC at different temperatures to find the baseline. After finding the baseline, nanocomposite was prepared using unmodified and modified (silanized) carbon black at 2%, 4% and 8% weight percentage of carbon black. Curing kinetics of modified and unmodified carbon black nanocomposite revealed that curing temperature of 110 degrees F for modified CB nanocomposite had a higher Degree of Cure (DOC) than unmodified. Curing kinetics for 220 degrees F for unmodified and modified did not show significant differences, since curing occurred faster at a higher temperature. However, curing time was shorter for modified CB than unmodified. Acceleration in curing kinetics could have a positive effect on processing of nanocomposites by decreasing cure time at a lower temperature. This study may open up some new opportunities for curing kinetics of various nanoparticle nanocomposites used in many nanocomposite manufacturing industries.