Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Negative-CTE ZrW sub(2)O sub(8) Nanoparticles for Electrical Applications

The potential for incorporating negative-CTE zirconium tungstate (ZrW sub(2)O sub(8)) nanoparticles in an epoxy matrix with the aim of developing epoxy/ZrW sub(2)O sub(8) nanocomposites with tailored CTE values for electrical applications is investigated. The ZrW sub(2)O sub(8)/epoxy nanocomposites are prepared through incorporation of up to 20 vol% unfunctionalized nanoparticles or silane-functionalized nanoparticles containing either epoxy or amine end groups. Improvements in thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix are achived with no detrimental effect on the dielectric strength, which suggests that these nanocomposites could be viable candidates for a wide range of electrical applications. The potential of an epoxy resin to tailor the coefficient of thermal expansion using unique, negative-CTE ZrW sub(2)O sub(8) nanoparticles while also achieving simultaneous enhancements in mechanical and electrical properties of the matrix is explored. The combination of good thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties makes these nanocomposites excellent candidates for electrical applications.