Abstract

Organophilic montmorillonite clay — unsaturated polyester (UP) and vinyl ester oligomer (VEO) — unsaturated polyester nanocomposites were prepared and the formation of nanocomposites was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The VEO was prepared by reacting commercially available epoxy resin LY556 and acrylic acid and was used as a toughening agent for unsaturated polyester resin. Organoclay-filled hybrid VEO—UP matrices, developed in the form of castings, were characterized for their thermal and mechanical properties. Dynamic mechanical measurements indicated the presence of higher crosslink density for the clay-filled systems than unfilled systems. X-ray diffraction analysis infers the intercalation of the polymer molecules between the clay layers which in turn restricts the mobility of polymer in the vicinity of clay layers. A shift in Tg towards lower temperature was observed for nanocomposites. Significant improvement in the mechanical properties was also observed in the case of nanocomposites when compared with neat resin matrix.

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.