Double dimensionally ordered nanostructures: Toward a multifunctional reinforcing nanohybrid for epoxy resin

Abstract

Monodisperse 0D nano-TiO2, namely a ball cactus, with a BET surface area of 280 m2 g-1 and a pore volume of 1.0 cm3 g-1 was firstly synthesized by a solvothermal method. A double dimensionally ordered nanostructure filler system consisting of a 0D ball cactus and 2D layered MMT was constructed. The comprehensive performance of TiO2/MMT/EP nanocomposites was examined. The properties of the corresponding TiO2/MMT/EP nanocomposites, including mechanical properties, thermal stabilities, dielectric properties and surface free energies strongly depended on the loading of the double dimensional nanofillers. Our results demonstrate the potential of double dimensional synergism of 0D TiO2/2D MMT as a multifunctional reinforcement in polymeric composites. These results help to elucidate the complex interactions between nanostructures and polymer matrices, and flexible control over this multi-dimensional synergies concept could contribute to the development of adaptable structural materials for advanced applications.