Thermoplastic epoxy composites are commonly used for electronic devices and building repairs. Advances in the mixing processes of nanoparticles with large surface areas that leads to improved mechanical and rheological properties of epoxy composites have generated a growing interest in inorganic and organic nanocomposites over the past two decades. In the past decade, many research groups have reported the physicochemical properties of graphene oxide (GO) and chemically-modified GO-based epoxy nanocomposites. However, the characteristics of chemically-modified GO affect the curing process of the epoxy resin and the resulting properties of the composite. In this review, we explore the theoretical and experimental relationships between mechanical and rheological properties and the chemical structure of chemically-modified GO in relation to the applicable curing process. Based on these relationships, design strategies to improve the properties of epoxy composites can be realized, which can potentially lead to applications in new fields.
