Background
Type: Article

Elevating thermal and mechanical performance: The role of MIL-101(Cr) and NH2-MIL-101(Cr) in epoxy adhesives

Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects (18734359)Year: 20 November 2025Volume: 725Issue:
DOI:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2025.137564Language: English

Abstract

The development of epoxy adhesives with superior adhesion properties has long been a critical requirement in the high-tech applications. In this study, two metal organic frameworks (MOFs), MIL-101(Cr) (MIL, Matérial Institut Lavoisier) and NH2-MIL-101(Cr), were used to enhance the adhesion characteristics. These MOFs, were characterized by different analytical techniques, and subsequently integrated into high-temperature epoxy adhesives to improve their mechanical and thermal properties as well as adhesion strength. Notably, the addition of 0.3 parts per hundred resin (phr) of MIL-101(Cr) to the epoxy matrix resulted in an impressive ∼100 % increase in tensile strength and a remarkable 24 % enhancement in lap shear strength. Furthermore, the incorporation of the amine-functionalized NH2-MIL-101(Cr) into the epoxy matrix led to even more significant improvements in mechanical strength. The addition of just 0.3 phr of NH2-MIL-101(Cr) gave rise in a striking ∼150 % increment in tensile strength compared to the pristine epoxy adhesives, while lap shear strength experienced a substantial 50 % growth. The thermal stability of the epoxy adhesive was notably enhanced in the presence of the MOFs. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis indicated an increase in the curing enthalpy upon the incorporation of both MIL-101(Cr) and NH2-MIL-101(Cr) into the epoxy matrices. The use of amine-functionalized MOFs significantly improved the thermal and mechanical properties of the epoxy adhesives, paving the way for the development of innovative epoxy formulations. © 2025