Compatibilization Behavior of Double Spherical TETA–SiO2@PDVB Janus Particles Anchored at the Phase Interface of Acrylic Resin/Epoxy Resin (AR/EP) Polymer Blends

The inorganic particles used as a compatibilizer play a role in crack termination and heat resistance. However, the poor compatibility of inorganic particles and polymer hinders their application. Herein, the double spherical SiO2@PDVB Janus particles (JPs) were modified with triethylenetetramine (TETA), and the obtained anisotropic TETA–SiO2@PDVB JPs were used as the compatibilizer of acrylic resin/epoxy resin (AR/EP) composites. The modification and the compatibilization of TETA–SiO2@PDVB JPs were studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analyzer, impact test, tensile test, and so forth. Results show that amino groups grafted onto the SiO2 lobe can react with epoxy groups of EP, which results in the TETA–SiO2 lobe being embedded in the EP phase and the PDVB lobe being pushed toward the AR phase. The TETA–SiO2@PDVB JPs anchored at the interface of AR and EP increase their interfacial adhesion, decrease the domain phase size and distribution of dispersed AR, and improve the compatibility of AR/EP composites. The compatibilization of nanoparticles (NPs) is realized by the cavitation and blunting of different scaled AR phase domain distributions and that of JPs is realized by the strong interfacial force originated by JPs. Moreover, the desorption energy of TETA–SiO2@PDVB JPs is higher than that of SiO2–TETA; so the glass transition temperature (Tg) of AR/EP/JP composites is higher than that of AR/EP/NP composites. The strong interfacial adhesion and high desorption energy endow TETA–SiO2@PDVB JPs with a toughening effect and enhancing effect. The impact strength and the tensile strength of AR/EP/TETA–SiO2@PDVB composites are 16.03 kJ/m2 and 63.12 MPa, which are 9.91 kJ/m2 and 16.32 MPa higher than those of AR/EP composites, respectively. JPs used in the thermosetting EP is benefit to its toughening study and the new anisotropic Janus compatibilizer.