Preparation of Exfoliated Epoxy/α-Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposites Containing High Aspect Ratio Nanoplatelets

Abstract

High-crystallinity α-zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) crystals which contain stacks of high aspect ratio nanoplatelets were synthesized and exfoliated with tetra- n -butylammonium hydroxide in aqueous dispersion. The exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets were then transferred into water-miscible organic solvents, such as acetone, by centrifugation and re-dispersion. The resulting exfoliated α-ZrP nanoplatelets in organic solvents can be easily utilized to prepare polymer nanocomposites. Through such an approach, epoxy/α-ZrP nanocomposites containing high aspect ratio α-ZrP nanoplatelets have been prepared. The presence of the well-exfoliated nanocomposite structure is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.