Dielectric frequency response of epoxy-based composites with various silica filler sizes

Various epoxy-based samples were prepared with different content of micro- and nanosized silica filer. In the case of a constant %-weight content of filler amounting to 65%, the microphase was replaced by a nanophase consisting of 2.5% and 5% weight. Three research teams used dielectric spectroscopy to compare the dielectric behaviour of the different composites. Microstructure analyses of the various epoxy-based compounds using TEM indicated that there was little variance in the homogeneity. The influence of post heat treatment under vacuum was assessed. After post-treatment, all sets of data show similar trends.