Prediction of interface dielectric relaxations in bimodal brush functionalized epoxy nanodielectrics by finite element analysis method

Finite element 2-D analysis was implemented to simulate the dielectric spectra of nanodielectrics. As a test case, silica modified with a high graft density of short molecules and a low graft density of epoxy compatible chains were incorporated into epoxy. TEM images of the composites filler distribution were used to construct the model geometry with the interfacial area specifically included. The interfacial area was found to have dielectric relaxation behavior different from that of the matrix, as described by additional fitting parameters. This modeling method has the potential to improve our understanding of the impact of interface properties on the dielectric properties of composites.