Zirconium tungstate/cyanate ester nanocomposites with tailored thermal expansivity

Abstract The dimensional stability of polymer matrix composites can be enhanced by reducing the mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the high CTE polymer matrix and low CTE fiber reinforcements, which leads to development of residual stresses and matrix microcracking. A potential strategy to diminish these residual stresses involves development of polymer nanocomposites with well dispersed nanoparticles that reduce the extent of mismatch in CTE. In this work, we explore the potential for development of bulk polymer nanocomposites with tailored thermal expansivity through incorporation of zirconium tungstate nanoparticles that are characterized by a negative CTE in a unique low viscosity bisphenol E cyanate ester (BECy) thermosetting polymer matrix. Incorporation of up to 10 vol.% whisker-like nanoparticles, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, results in a 20% reduction in the CTE of the polymer matrix. However, the nanoparticles exert a dramatic catalytic effect on the cure reaction of BECy resin and subsequently decrease the onset temperature of the glass transition for the cured polymer network, at high filler loadings.