Abstract :
Mono-dispersed nano-sized MCM-41 (M (with
template)) particles were synthesized by sol–gel reaction.
The effect of interface modification on the properties of
epoxy composites was investigated. Modifications were
carried out either by substituting silanol groups on the
surface or in the mesopore channels into amine (M-NH2),
calcinating mixture template in the mesopore channels (M
(without template)), or recalcinating them at higher temperature
to remove silanol groups (–OH) in the mesopore
channels or on the surface (CM). Transmission electron
micrograph results showed that the dispersing of MCM-41
nanoparticles was not influenced by the modification, while
–NH2 group indeed modified the mesopore channels or the
surface of MCM-41 particle by using IR, XRD, and N2
adsorption–desorption. In addition, tensile tests suggested
that M-NH2 nanoparticles could simultaneously provide
epoxy matrix with strengthening and toughening effects.
However, due to the different interfacial structures between
the fillers and the matrix, the mechanical properties of the
composites filled by M-NH2 were much better than those of
composites filled by MCM-41 (without template), MCM-
41 (with mixture template), and CM.
