Improvement of mechanical properties for epoxy composites with modified titanate whiskers via dopamine self-oxidation

Epoxy (EP) composites were intended with polydopamine modified titanate whiskers for mechanical improvement. The EP composites exhibited distinct morphology, and also demonstrated enhanced interfacial properties generated by functional groups on the modified whiskers and the matrix, which was favorable for composites mechanical performance. The composite with 7.5 wt% modified whiskers showed notable tensile and bending strengths of 54.8 ± 0.3 MPa and 100.4 ± 0.7 MPa, which was 71.8% and 65.7% higher than those of EP, respectively. In the meanwhile, 11.4% improvement of impact strength was also obtained when loading 2.5 wt% modified whiskers. Results of differential scanning calorimetry revealed increased glass transition temperatures of the EP composites because of restrict to movement of molecular chains. The titanate whiskers undergone facile surface modification could hopefully fulfill positive improvement on mechanical properties of EP composites.