Nanoparticles of Metals and Oxides on Surface of Carbon Fibers are Effective Catalysts of Chemical Transformations of Epoxy Oligomers

Abstract

Influence of the carbon fibers containing into theirs structure nanoparticles of metals or theirs oxides (copper, zinc, titanium, zirconium, lead, molybdenum, iron) on the thermochemical transformations of the epoxy oligomers of various chemical structures has been studied. On the one hand, a catalytic effect of the Me-CFs on decomposition of the epoxy oligomers has been revealed. On the other hand, an intensive formation of an insoluble gel-fraction is observed. At the same time a new exothermic effects in the 200-300degreesC temperature range are taken place. A conclusion about concurring reactions of thermal decomposition of the epoxy oligomer and formation of three-dimensional polymer occurring on the Me-CFs - oligomer interface has been made on the basis of the thermal, chemical analysis and also the electron paramagnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy data. It is revealed that nanoparticles of metals or theirs oxides uniformly distributed on the carbon fibers surfaces play the dominating role in these processes. It is made the conclusion that the Me-CFs are perspective for creation of the carbon fibers nanocomposites with the special properties.