Abstract
AbstractMixtures of an epoxy resin and organophilic montmorillonites were subjected to ultraviolet (UV)‐induced photopolymerization. Two types of commercially available nanoclays, namely Cloisite 30B and Cloisite Na+, were modified through interaction with organic compatibilizers (dodecylsuccinic anhydride, octadecylamine, octadecyl alcohol, and octadecanoic acid). The modified nanoclays, dispersed in the liquid epoxy resin at 5 wt%, were photopolymerized to get nanocomposite films. The kinetics of the photopolymerization was evaluated by means of real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The modified nanoclays and their nanocomposites were characterized through X‐ray diffractometry; transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of intercalated and partially exfoliated morphologies in the nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric and dynamic‐mechanical analyses showed an increase of the thermal properties and an increase of the glass transition temperatures of the nanocomposites compared with that of the neat UV‐cured resin. Finally, the oxygen barrier properties of nanocomposite films, coated on a polyethyleneterephtalate substrate, were evaluated; the decrease of permeability was correlated with the degree of exfoliation of the nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
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