In situ synthesis of core–shell ZIF-8@modified sepiolite hybrids for multi-scale construction of epoxy composites with improved low-dielectric properties and thermal stability

The metal–organic frameworks have gained high reputation due to their porous structures, high stabilities, ultralow densities, devisable organic ligands, and large specific surface area in recent years. In this work, ZIF-8@silane-modified sepiolite hybrids with a core–shell structure were synthesized successfully via an in situ grown method. The hybrids were then introduced into epoxy to prepare composites. Results showed that the epoxy composites exhibited improved dielectric and thermal properties when the amount of the fillers was only 0.6 wt%. The dielectric constant was decreased by 0.66, the thermal degradation temperature was increased by 46.2 °C, and the glass transition temperature was increased by 8.5 °C.