Molecular dynamics of epoxy nanocomposites filled with core–shell and hollow nanosilica architectures

Abstract Here we contrast the molecular dynamics of epoxy nanocomposites filled with three different types silica-based nanoparticles architectures, namely solid core, core–shell and hollow varying degree crystallinity. The samples are characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, broadband dielectric spectroscopy dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Widely known relaxations such as α , β γ normal mode interfacial polarisation observed discussed. An additional relaxation named omega ( ω ) is also observed, whose strength inversely correlated to crystallinity nanoparticles. We suggest that this may be attributed polarizing interaction hydroxyl groups silanols hydroxy ether polymer chain. absent in DMA confirming it a phenomenon. At lower concentration silanols, largely overlaps effectively becoming an integral part it. Finally, two case structures, originating from shell–polymer interface but, due similar real permittivity values shell polymer, their weak.