Recent efforts have demonstrated that high aspect ratio nanoplatelets, if exfoliated, may significantly improve the dispersion and stability of nanoparticles in multi-component composites.  This behavior may be broadly attributed to the immense surface area of the individual nanoplatelets, which impedes diffusion of neighboring molecules and particles from coagulation.  Interaction between particles also plays a significant role, but has not been explicitly described.  We previously found that electrostatically tethering carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to the surface of exfoliated a-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoplatelets enabled individual dispersion of CNTs and ZrP nanoplatelets.  When dispersed in an epoxy matrix, the ZrP/CNT hybrid remarkably enhanced modulus and strength, without compromising ductility.  In this presentation, the physical mechanisms responsible for this behavior will be described based on an extensive rheological analysis of model nanoparticle suspensions.  Effect of particle size, loading, surface functionality, and ZrP/CNT hybrid ratio on rheological behavior will be discussed.

Rheological interpretation of strengthening mechanisms in epoxy nanocomposites containing nanoplatelet and nanotube hybrid

245th National Meeting (2013)

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