Amphiphilic block‐copolymer exfoliated transition metal dichalcogenides as novel epoxy toughening agents

Abstract Excited by the effect of amphiphilic block copolymer Polyethylene glycol‐b‐Polypropylene Glycol‐b‐Polyethylene Glycol, a triblock copolymer (TBCP) in the virgin state as well as in the grafted form with graphene oxide and multiwalled carbon nanotube in epoxy toughening, the effect of the same block copolymer in the exfoliation of graphene analogous Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) was studied. Even though epoxy resin has several advantages, its inherent brittleness and flammability limit its application in several areas. So, there is a need for the efficient toughening of epoxy resin to make it appropriate for high‐end applications. In the present work, epoxy resin was toughened with exfoliated TMDs, especially Molybdenum sulfide and Tungsten disulfide (MoS 2 and WS 2 ). TBCP was used in the exfoliation of TMDs where the effect of these exfoliated TMDs in enhancing the properties of epoxy was evaluated. TBCP exfoliated MoS 2 and WS 2 exhibit fracture toughness of 483% and 636%, respectively in epoxy composites without compromising the tensile properties, which enhances the efficacy of epoxy resins towards high‐end applications. The improvement in toughness is evident from the fractography of the crack surfaces. The role of TBCP exfoliated TMDs in tuning the mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties is portrayed in the manuscript, thereby unveiling the potential of yet another unique class of materials in epoxy toughening. Highlights The efficiency of amphiphilic block copolymer in exfoliating TMDs is analyzed. The effect of TBCP‐exfoliated TMDs as a toughener for the epoxy matrix is portrayed. 483% and 636% improvement in the toughness compared to neat epoxy was obtained for TBCP exfoliated MoS 2 and WS 2 reinforced epoxy respectively. Improved tensile properties after incorporation of TBCP exfoliated TMDs in epoxy matrix. The plasticizing effect of TBCP compromises the thermal properties.