A New Filler for Epoxy Resin: Study on the Properties of Graphite Carbon Nitride (g-C(3)N(4)) Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites

In this study, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C(3)N(4)) as a novel filler was used for fabricating epoxy nanocomposites. The static mechanical, dynamic thermal-mechanical properties and thermostability of as-prepared g-C(3)N(4)/epoxy nanocomposites were significantly ameliorated compared with that of the pure epoxy matrix. The tensile modulus and flexural modulus of g-C(3)N(4)/epoxy nanocomposites increased by 31.81% and 28.28%, respectively. Meanwhile, the tensile and flexural strength was also improved by 16.02% and 12.67%, respectively. The g-C(3)N(4)/epoxy nanocomposites exhibited an increased storage modulus and glass transition temperature. The markedly improved mechanical and viscoelasticity properties were attributed to the stronger interfacial interaction caused by enlarged contact area and increased chemical bonding, and enhanced mechanical interlocking on the interface. The loss factor of epoxy nanocomposites also raised by 40% due to the comprehensive effect of frication caused by the relative slip between nanosheets, micro-constrained layer damping structure and the reversible cycle of breakage and re-established of the hydrogen bond. Meanwhile, the 10% weightlessness temperature (T(initial)), semi weightlessness temperature (T(half)) of g-C(3)N(4)/epoxy nanocomposites have increased by about 15 °C and 14 °C, respectively.