Spheroidal nanoparticles in epoxide-based adhesives

Epoxy resins are a very important class of structural adhesives and property improvements are constantly being sought. As the interaction between the polymer and the surface of nanoparticles is nothing other than adhesion, there is obvious scope for property improvements by adding nanoparticles having tailored surfaces. Particles agglomeration, surface chemistry, and the thickness and composition of the particle-polymer interphase are crucial for the resulting material properties. Also, the simultaneous use of different nanoparticles can lead to marked property improvements. Specific nanoparticles lead to new functions. This is demonstrated for "antenna particles" for rapid-curing adhesives.