6 - Study on physical, mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate/fumed silica/clay nanocomposites

Abstract

In this study, the physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate/fumed silica/clay (ST-co-GMA-fsi/clay) nanocomposites were investigated. ST-co-GMA-fsi/clay nanocomposites were prepared via condensation polymerization method and the effect of clay's (1.30E) weight percentage on the physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties were examined. ST-co-GMA-fsi/clay nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), adsorption isotherm (BET), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile tests. FTIR detected that the peak at 1664cm−1 was attributed to the deformation vibration in the H-O-H groups. This peak was significant when 1 and 2wt% of clay (1.30E) was added into the ST-co-GMA-fsi nanocomposites. The CC double bond from ST with GMA was indicated by the absorption peak at 1600cm−1. SEM showed that there was good compatibility as well as the well dispersion of 2wt% of clay (1.30E) into ST-co-GMA-fsi. Adsorption isotherm proved that 2wt% of ST-co-GMA-fsi-clay (1.30E) nanocomposite had the highest surface area and average pore volume with smaller pore size. Tensile tests prove that 2wt% of clay (1.30E) provided the best tensile strength and modulus improvement into ST-co-GMA-fsi nanocomposite. TGA of 2wt% of clay (1.30E) was compatible for incorporation into ST-co-GMA-fsi nanocomposite to enhance the thermal properties. Throughout this study, 2wt% of ST-co-GMA-fsi-clay nanocomposites significantly reduced the diffusion of moisture into the nanocomposites and enhanced the compatibility between clay (1.30E) and ST-co-GMA-fsi.