Effects of functionalized nano-TiO2 on the molecular motion in epoxy resin-based nanocomposites

Abstract

Epoxy resin-based nanocomposites have been widely researched for being potential insulating materials in high voltage power equipment. In this paper, nano-TiO2 particles were chosen and surface-modified by a silane coupling agent containing an epoxy group. The effect of functionalized nano-TiO2 doping on the physical properties of epoxy resin was studied. The results of differential scanning calorimetry show that Tg increased significantly and can be increased by up to 35 °C. Therefore, it is believed that the suppression of molecular motion by the addition of nanofillers works effectively in the case of this functionalized nano-TiO2 and a strong interaction between the epoxy resin and the nano-TiO2 was formed after surface modification. Consequently, dynamic mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and trap characteristics of epoxy resin are all adjusted after introducing functionalized nano-TiO2. All of these physical properties were analyzed from the perspective of suppression of molecular motion, and it is of significance to establish the theory of a nanocomposite dielectric. Besides, the results show that the epoxy/TiO2 nanocomposite is expected to be applied in the insulation system of electrical equipment.