In-situ preparation of epoxy/silver nanocomposites by thermal decomposition of silver–imidazole complex

A novel method for the preparation of epoxy/silver nanocomposites was developed by in-situ formation of silver nanoparticles within the epoxy matrix. The silver–imidazole complex was synthesized by silver acetate and 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (2E4MZ). During the cure of epoxy resin, silver nanoparticles were in-situ generated through thermal decomposition of the silver–imidazole complex which was capable of reducing Ag+ to Ag0 by itself. The simultaneously released imidazole could cure the epoxy. In addition, the in-situ generated silver nanoparticles could be stabilized by the formed epoxy network. Therefore, by using the thermal decomposition method, uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles of size of around 11.6 nm were in-situ generated in epoxy matrix.

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► Nanocomposites were obtained by the decomposition of silver-imidazole complex.
► The ratio of silver acetate to imidazole is 1:2.
► The decomposition of silver-imidazole complex is capable of reducing Ag+ to Ag0.
► Epoxy resin is simultaneously cured by the released imidazole.
► The nanoparticles are always well dispersed in epoxy resin.