Recent progress in Epoxy Nanocomposites: Corrosion, structural, flame retardancy and applications — A comprehensive review

Abstract

In the past few years, epoxy resins utilization has gained much significant recognition from researchers worldwide as a result of its advantages in different sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronic systems, constructions, and other related fields because of its outstanding mechanical performance, corrosion protection, and dielectric properties. The nanomaterials incorporation into the matrix has been duly examined to be the most productive route to enhance polymer composite's mechanical properties. Despite that, the inherent brittleness, relatively low fracture toughness, cross‐linking ability, poor electrical, and thermal properties of epoxy render it weak to growth and initiation of cracks, limiting its utilization in state‐of‐the‐art structural applications. Especially, epoxy is flammable while releasing a considerable amount of gases and smoke, thus, extending a potential risk to lives. Consequently, several nanofiller materials like graphene (Gr), transition metal dichalcogenides, MXene, and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) produce extensive chances to equip multi‐functional characteristics and then reinforce the epoxy resins for the state‐of‐the‐art application. With this current review, the present literature investigation of epoxy filled with nano‐sized material has been examined thoroughly. Current advances in the approach of integrating nanosized materials in the epoxy matrices have been also introduced. Most significantly, anti‐corrosion, mechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of nanomaterials reinforced epoxy nanocomposites have also been reviewed in particular. Ultimately, the present statuses of the field in addition to the future approach have been considered concerning the usefulness of numerous nanofillers toward reinforcement of epoxy in construction and building materials. The expectation in this extensive review could produce a valuable reference, ingenuity, and guidance for researchers in this area of study.