Effects of SiO2 nanoparticles on the performance of carboxyl-randomized liquid butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber modified epoxy nanocomposites

The effects of SiO2 nanoparticles on the performance of carboxyl‐randomized liquid butadiene–acrylonitrile rubber (CRBN) modified epoxy resin (EP) nanocomposites were studied. With the addition of an appropriate amount of SiO2 (2%) to EP/CRBN (95/5), the nanocomposites could achieve the desired impact strength and modulus. The morphology of the nanocomposites was studied with scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites showed a three‐phase system; both the rubber particles and SiO2 nanoparticles showed uniform dispersions in the EP matrix, with their phases all nanosized. A good correlation between the free‐volume hole radius and mechanical properties was found. The introduction of a small amount of nanoparticles (both rubber and SiO2) into EP led to the formation of interactions between the EP and nanoparticles. The interactions restricted the segment motion and the mobilization of the EP chains and then reduced the free‐volume concentration in the amorphous region of EP. The fact that the average free‐volume hole radius of EP/CRBN was larger than that of pure EP was mainly attributed to the contribution of the larger size of the free‐volume holes within the rubber phase. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007