Amine‐functionalized metal–organic frameworks/epoxy nanocomposites: Structure‐properties relationships

Abstract Amine‐functionalized MIL‐101(Cr)‐NH 2 metal–organic frameworks (MOF‐N)/epoxy nanocomposites with Excellent cure label and high thermal stability were developed. Structure–property relationship was discussed by comparison of the cure state, thermal and viscoelastic behavior of epoxy nanocomposites containing pristine MOF or MOF‐N applying differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Epoxy containing 0.3 wt% MOF‐N exhibited high glass transition temperature ( T g ) of 96°C compared with 85°C observed for epoxy/MOF system. Thus, MOF‐N played the role of catalyst in epoxy/amine curing reaction. Correspondingly, a lower activation energy was obtained based on cure kinetics modeling based on DSC measurements. Besides, incorporation of low amount (0.5 wt%) MOF‐N induced an early‐state resistance against decomposition, featured by 11°C rise in decomposition temperature at 5% weight loss. This was ascribed to the formation of porous metallic oxides during thermal decomposition of MOF‐N in the epoxy system acting as a heat barrier, which increased the activation energy of decomposition. Amine‐functionalization considerably prevented from further oxidation of the inner part of the matrix.