Abstract

Organoclay derived from Na-bentonite can offer an alternative used as an inorganic filler for high internal phase emulsiom foams. Two types of organoclay, hybrid organic–inorganic porous clay heterostructures (HPCH), derived from organo–bentonite which prepared through surfactant–directed assembly of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)/methyltetraethoxysilane (MTS) into galleries of the clay mineral, and organo-modified bentonite (MOD) treated with quaternary alkyl ammonium cation by ion exchange reaction, were used as a reinforcing agent for poly(divinylbenzene; DVB)polyHIPE foams in this study. Poly(DVB)polyHIPE foams filled with organo-bentonite (MOD and HPCH) loadings of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 wt% were successfully prepared using the HIPE technique. To study the effects of the organoclay on morphology, surface area, and mechanical properties of the prepared poly(DVB)polyHIPE foams, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, and a Lloyd Universal testing machine were employed. It was demonstrated that the addition of organo-bentonite (both MOD and HPCH) into PolyHIPE foams resulted in the enhancement of physical properties of the poly(DVB)polyHIPE foams. The incorporation of layered silicate in the polymer matrix were supported by SEM images, which shown that the roughness of the polymer wall surfaces appeared to increase due to the presence of organoclay. It was established that the use of organo–bentonite, both HPCH and MOD, as inorganic filler for poly(DVB)polyHIPE, has an effect on improving the surface area of the obtained materials. However, higher improvement in surface properties was achieved with poly(DVB)polyHIPE filled with HPCH when compared with poly(DVB)polyHIPE foams filled with MOD. This is because of the surface charateristic of the HPCH which is a combination of micro– and mesoporosity between each layered of silicates and gas molecules might be able to adsorbed into these porous structures. Mechanical properties of the filled poly(DVB)polyHIPE foams were found to improve when compared to the neat poly(DVB)polyHIPE. Highest Young’s modulus and compressive stress were observed at 5 wt% organoclay loading. It was clearly demonstrated in this study that the suitable content of

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.