Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of ionic liquid core/silica shell microcapsules-filled epoxy microcomposites

A new type of phosphonium ionic liquid (trihexyl (tetradecyl) bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinate core/silica shell microcapsules ([email protected]2) was successfully synthesized by one pot sol-gel process in IL/H2O emulsion and combined to epoxy amine networks as reinforcing fillers. Different amounts [email protected]2microcapsules epoxy-to- stoichiometric ratios were considered order investigate the mechanical thermal properties protected]2 filled composites. It has been found that protected]2could be easily well dispersed matrix low can improve modulus fracture toughness composites without damaging properties. This reinforcement effect could also observed when epoxy-to-aminohydrogen ratio is over 1.0. study a preliminary work combining these with thermosetting polymers give inspirations for design functional epoxy-based materials.