Room temperature ionic liquids for epoxy nanocomposite synthesis: Direct dispersion and cure

Nanocomposites of silica, single-wall carbon nanotubes, and graphite nanoplatelets in an epoxy matrix were prepared using a novel single-step room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) preparation strategy. Silica nanocomposites showed improved fracture toughness and modulus, carbon nanotube composites showed electrical network percolation at 8.6 × 10−5 volume fraction, and graphite nanoplatelets composites showed electrical percolation at 1.7 × 10−2 volume fraction. These results were compared with literature results for nanocomposites made with volatile solvents, demonstrating the viability of the RTIL nanocomposite preparation strategy.