Analysis of the thermal properties of nanomodified epoxy composite

The paper presents the results of experimental research of epoxy composites modified by nanoparticles. The results were obtained by the method of thermogravimetric analysis. The dependences between the intensity of the processes of thermal degradation in the air and technological factors and content of nanoparticles have been determined. The optimal concentration of 5 types of nanomodifiers besed on carbon nanoclusters adducts, which are functionalized carbon compounds has been revealed. The obvious advantage of these modifiers is their high solubility in polar solvents, that makes the use of these modifiers easier and allows disusing the additional sonication. Investigation of thermooxidation processes of modified epoxy resins was performed in a dynamic mode using TGA/SDTA851e module of STARe System in the temperature range 25÷800⁰C in air atmosphere with simultaneous removal of the gaseous decomposition products. Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) was used as the etalon, the temperature speed set was 10 deg./min. It was found out that the process of thermal degradation consists of two stages. The first step is characterized by the main oxidative degradation of polymer and the loss of up to 80% of the original sample weight, the second step is accompanied by the further oxidative decomposition of epoxy composite related to the carbon skeleton destruction. It was proved experimentally that injection of modifiers changes thermal-oxidative decomposition processes and also changes specific energy of epoxy composite according to the type and concentration of nanomodifier. It was shown that the injection of optimal amounts of modifier allows increase of the thermal and energy characteristics, and as a result, the durability of epoxy coatings exposed to aggressive climatic factors