Effect of Hexamethyldisilazane-Modified Nano Fumed Silica on the Properties of Epoxy/Carboxyl-Terminated Poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile) Blend: A New Hybrid Approach

In this study, we have developed a hybrid system from epoxy/carboxyl-terminated poly(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile) (CTBN) and hexamethyldisilazane-modified nano fumed silica (HMDS NS). We aim to disclose the knowledge on how modified nano fumed silica influences the morphology and impacts properties of epoxy and epoxy-CTBN blend systems without significantly compromising the other desirable mechanical and thermal properties. High surface area and increased hydrophobicity of HMDS NS cause homogeneous dispersion in the hydrophobic polymer matrix. The results confirmed that the improvement in impact and tensile properties of epoxy thermoset depends mainly on the optimum concentration of CTBN and HMDS NS. The thermomechanical analysis showed that HMDS NS acts as a plasticizer and it increased the mobility of CTBN chain and created flexible regions in system. The current research on the hybrid system from the epoxy/CTBN/HMDS NS approach has the potential for the development of improved structural adhesives, automotive structural part, and electronic encapsulate.