Study of the Interface/Bonding of Boron Nitride (BN) Nanocomposites

Abstract

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), an analogue of carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the most used non-metallic materials in high technology applications related to thin film fabrications. Taking advantage of their unique properties such as electrically non-conductive, thermally conductive, and high hardness, it has been used in high-temperature electronic devices, multifunctional aerospace materials, and structures and electric and aerospace systems. The main goal of this project was to use BNNTs in the fabrication of nano epoxycomposites to enhance their thermal and mechanical properties to use it for applications in aerospace constituents. In order to accomplish this goal, BNNTs were functionalized with isopherone diisocyante (IPDC). Surface analysis techniques were employed to ensure the modification BNNTs and study the interface of the reinforced composites before and after the modification. Mechanical and thermal conductivity testing was performed in order to understand the quality of the composites. Three different nanocomposites were accomplished with hBN and BNNTs using two different epoxy polymers and three curing agents. The systems EPON 862/Curing Agent W/ (hBN or BNNTs) have Tgs and tan deltas higher compared with those fabricated at the same conditions without nanoparticles. The fabricated BN composites showed improved physical properties due to their particle dispersion and boron nitrite intermolecular interactions with the epoxy polymer.