Source abstract
Abstract
Abstract Developing a single‐component epoxy system is challenging but crucial for advanced thermoset applications. Unfortunately, conventional latent curing agents using chemical or physical passivation do not provide satisfactory storage stability and the necessary property requirements. Here, it is demonstrated that all‐in‐one epoxy/MXene nanocomposite system, comprising epoxy resin, polymeric imidazole latent curing agent beads (PILCAB), and Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene, exhibits excellent storage stability, improved flame retardancy, and enhanced mechanical strength. PILCABs, prepared through a Diels–Alder (DA) crosslinking reaction between furan groups of poly(imidazolyl methacrylate)‐random poly (furfuryl methacrylate) (PIm‐r‐PFu) copolymer and bismaleimide (BMI), exhibit excellent storage stability, as stable as under 60 °C storage due to the imidazole reactivity being suppressed synergistically by both physical and chemical passivation mechanisms. Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene flakes, surface‐functionalized with alkylated 3,4‐dihydroxyl‐L‐phenylalanine, exhibit excellent compatibility with the epoxy matrix. Consequently, the enhanced storage stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical strength of the all‐in‐one epoxy/MXene nanocomposite are attributed to the strong DA bond formation in latent curing agent, efficient charring capability of MXene and BMI, and the catalytic effect of the MXene. This study opens new avenues for designing and developing single‐component epoxy systems that satisfy demanding requirements, including storage stability, mechanical strength, and flame retardancy, which are essential for practical applications.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Affiliations
School of Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Sungkyunkwan University Seobu‐ro 2066, Jangan‐gu Suwon‐si Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
Convergence Research Center for Solutions to Electromagnetic Interference in Future‐Mobility Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Seoul 02792 Republic of Korea
School of Chemical Engineering Sungkyunkwan University Seobu‐ro 2066, Jangan‐gu Suwon‐si Gyeonggi‐do 16419 Republic of Korea
Funding
National Research Foundation of Korea · Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy · Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning · POSCO TJ Park Foundation