Nanocarbon and macrocarbonaceous filler–reinforced epoxy/polyamide: A review

Abstract

Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer and an engineering material for structural and composite applications. However, pure epoxy has disadvantages of stiffness and low toughness properties, so limiting its practical uses. Polyamide is an important thermoplastic polymer for commercial uses. Epoxy has been blended with polyamide (thermoplastic polymer) to enhance the toughness and mechanical properties. Consequently, epoxy/polyamide blend matrix has been developed for composite applications. Incorporation of carbonaceous nanoparticles in epoxy/polyamide blend has been used to improve the morphological and physical properties of these materials. This review describes scientific development in the field of epoxy/polyamide-based nanocomposite and composites. Epoxy/polyamide materials have been reinforced with micro- and macroscale carbonaceous fillers such as graphene, carbon nanotube, nanodiamond, carbon black, carbon fiber, and hybrid fillers. The strength, modulus, toughness, electrical, conductivity, thermal conductivity, and thermal stability properties of epoxy/polyamide have been influenced through the incorporation of nanofillers. The fundamentals and applications (coatings, adhesives, electronics, radiation shielding, automotive/aerospace) of these materials have been discussed. Toward the end, applications, future, and challenges of epoxy/polyamide-based nanocomposites have been comprehended.