Cloisite 20A Research Articles

Thermal, water absorption, and mechanical characterizations of polylactide based nanocomposites: Comparison between sodium and modified montmorillonite as reinforcement materials

AbstractThe research on the polymer silicate layer nanocomposites is currently focusing on maximizing the polymer‐filler interface interaction. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of two different types of montmorillonite (MMT), which were Cloisite sodium (CNa) and Cloisite 10A (C10A), on the thermal, water absorption, and mechanical performances of polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites. Nanocomposites with different clay loadings from 1 to 7 wt% were fabricated by melt intercalation in a twin‐screw extruder. XRD analysis showed an intercalated structure for PLA/C10A at 1 and 3 wt% loadings. From TGA analysis, the initial thermal degradation temperature for PLA/C10A at 1 and 3 wt% showed promising enhancement in thermal stability. DSC results also confirmed that both nanocomposites at clay loadings less than 5 wt% improved thermal properties and crystallinity compared to neat PLA. Storage modulus and tan δ for PLA/C10A shifted towards higher temperature. Water absorption intakes of PLA/C10A at 1 and 3 wt% loadings were reduced by 42% and 39%, respectively. For PLA/C10A at the optimum loading of 3 wt%, tensile strength improved by 21% and strain by 17%. This loading exhibited the finest morphological structure.

An investigation on the effects of synthesis on the mechanical properties of nanoclay/epoxy

Many studies in recent years have addressed the improvement of the mechanical properties of epoxy through the use of nanoparticles. However, a limited number of studies have focused on the effect of nanocomposite preparation methodologies on mechanical properties. In this research, the influence of different methodologies, including direct dispersion and solution blending of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay (Cloisite® 20A), on the mechanical properties of the epoxy is investigated. In direct dispersion, first, nanoclay-containing nanocomposites with various nanoclay contents (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were prepared; then, the epoxy reinforced with 2 wt.% nanoclay modified with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) was constructed. Modified nanoclays were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In the solution blending methodology, the effect of n-hexane and toluene solvents was addressed in the fabrication of epoxy nanocomposites containing 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 wt.% Cloisite 20A. The effect of methodology on the micro-porosity percentage was explored by X-ray tomography; while the pattern and intensity of the nanoparticle distribution on the fracture surface were assessed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Tensile and three-point bending tests were also carried out to determine the tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength, toughness modulus, and strain to failure. The fracture surface and the failure mechanisms of the tensile test samples were evaluated by optical microscopy, laser profilometer and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Finally, it was observed that the nanocomposites prepared by solution blending using toluene, which contained 0.2 wt.% nanoclay, managed to exhibit the optimal mechanical properties by improving the tensile strength, toughness modulus, and flexural strength by 17.40%, 50.12%, and 11.91%, respectively.

Quantifying morphological and mechanical properties of thermoplastics elastomers by selective localization of nanofillers with different geometries

Potential role of nanofiller in deciding their localization in polypropylene (PP)-natural rubber (NR) blend system is evaluated using experimental techniques followed by authentication using various theoretical approaches. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) of PP-NR blend-based nanocomposites with Cloisite 15A and titanium dioxide (TiO2) were prepared by melt mixing method, using Haake rheocord-90. In pre-fixed blend composition of 70-30 (PP-NR), selective localization of nanofiller was determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and quantified by Harmonic mean theoretical studies. Correlation length (ξclay) and average length of the clay layers (Lclay) measured for the dispersion of nanoclay. The dispersion efficiency of Cloisite 15A and TiO2 in blend matrix were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Mechanical properties of blend nanocomposites were examined by varying the nanofiller loading and compared with theoretical approaches such as Kerner, Guth, Halpin-Tsai, Einstein and Quemada models. It was found that irrespective of the geometry, the fillers migrated to the PP phase leading to significant changes in morphological development (size reduction of dispersed phase) and increased mechanical properties of 70-30 (PP-NR) neat blend. Nevertheless, it is very important to mention that at higher loading the layers of Cloisite 15A are found to penetrate partially into the NR phase due to the anisotropic nature of the clay platelets.

Incorporation of Various Nanoclays in Semi-refined Carrageenan Film Composite

In current investigation, various commercial nanoclays with different level of hydrophilicity i.e., hydrophilic bentonite (HB), cloisite 10A, and cloisite® 30B were incorporated to a hydrophilic semi-refined carrageenan (SRC) films to observe their presence in film matrix in regards with the final film’s properties. High shear mixing and sonication were applied to the film preparation to obtain high dispersion of nanoclays in the matrix. As expected, the hydrophilic clay showed better dispersion within the matrix as shown in Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) image. The more hydrophilic clay inclusion resulted in higher tensile strength, while the more hydrophobic resulted in higher stiffness of the films. The water vapour permeability was decreased in corresponded to the more hydrophobic clay incorporated, and the thermal properties of the films were overall enhanced by the nanoclays reinforcement. In general, nanoclays incorporation in SRC film improved the overall properties of the SRC film.

Preparation and characterization of methylated guar gum based nano-composite films

Nano-composite films using methylated guar gum (MGG) were prepared by incorporating unmodified (nanofil 116) and organically modified (cloisite 20A) nanoclays. Changes in mechanical properties, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), color and opacity of films due to incorporation of nanoclays were analyzed. The films were also examined by FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A significant (p < 0.05) improvement of 116 and 122% in tensile strength with 15 and 19% lower WVTR was obtained in films containing 20% nanofil 116 and cloisite 20A, respectively, in comparison to the control MGG films. Opacity of the films was not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by addition of the nanoclays. XRD analysis revealed an increased interstitial spacing for both the nanoclays due to intercalation of methylated guar gum which brought about improvement in barrier and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films.

Nanocomposite PLA/C20A Nanoclay by Ultrasound-Assisted Melt Extrusion for Adsorption of Uremic Toxins and Methylene Blue Dye.

Design of functional materials it is of great importance to address important problems in the areas of health and environment. In the present work, the synthesis and application of poly-meric nanocomposite materials with poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and modified nanoclay (cloisite 20A) with 1,4-diaminobutane dihydrochloride at different reaction times were studied. The concentra-tions of the nanoclays in the PLA matrix were 0.5, 1 and, 5% by weight (wt%). TGA showed that sample C20AM 120 (120 min of treatment) obtained the highest degree of modification considering the weight losses of the analyzed samples. An FT-IR signal at 1443 cm−1 suggests that the organic modifier is intercalated between the galleries of the clay. XRD, SEM and XPS suggest good disper-sion at low concentrations of the nanoclay. Adsorption tests revealed that the highest percentage of removal of uremic toxins and methylene blue was the sample with 5% wt/wt chemically modified nanoclay, suggesting good affinity between the modified nanoclays in the PLA matrix with the nitrogenous compounds.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy/Poly(Styrene‐co‐Acrylonitrile) (SAN)/Organoclay Nanocomposites

AbstractThis article focuses on the investigations on mechanical and thermal properties of the epoxy/poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN)/cloisite 20A nanocomposites. The analysis is performed in two particular compositions of epoxy/SAN blends to study the effect of nanoclay addition. The compositions of blends, epoxy/5 phr SAN and epoxy/15 phr SAN, are selected based on the difference in phase separation mechanism and microstructure. An increment in tensile strength is observed for epoxy/5 phr SAN/1 wt% cloisite 20A nanocomposite. Young's modulus is increased in epoxy/15 phr SAN/cloisite 20A nanocomposites. A surge in the toughness and impact properties is observed for the nanocomposites. Beneficial increment in activation energy for thermal degradation is observed for epoxy/SAN blends and epoxy/SAN/cloisite 20A nanocomposites. The nanocomposites are suitable for high temperature applications without much compromise in the mechanical properties.

Influence of the hydrophilicity of montmorillonite on structure and properties of thermoplastic wheat starch/montmorillonite bionanocomposites

AbstractThe increasing environmental pollution with petroleum‐based plastics has advanced research on biodegradable polymers. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is one promising candidate due to wide availability from various renewable sources, low cost and biodegradability. However, TPS has significant shortcomings, as high water sensitivity and low mechanical properties. An approach to overcome these drawbacks is adding nanofillers as reinforcement of the starch matrix. Among the nanofillers, montmorillonite clays have the advantages of a wide availability, low cost, versatility and environmental friendliness. Bionanocomposites based on wheat starch plasticized with glycerol and reinforced with three types of montmorillonite nanoclays, one natural (Cloisite Na+) and two organomodified (Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 10A), were prepared by melt processing. The effect of nanoclay type and amount on processing properties, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical properties and water absorption was widely investigated. The properties strongly depended on the dispersion state of the nanoclay in the TPS matrix. The dispersion improved with the hydrophilicity of the nanoclay. Cloisite Na+, the most hydrophilic nanoclay, was the most effective in reinforcing TPS, improving the thermal stability and the dynamic mechanical properties, and showing a greater resistance to water absorption in normal humidity environments. Bionanocomposites of TPS andCloisite Na+ can be a good alternative for use in packaging applications.

Localization of different types of organoclay montmorillonite in the compatibilized polyamide 6/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanocomposites: Morphology and rheological properties

AbstractIn this study, nanocomposites based on polyamide 6/carboxylated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (PA6/XNBR) reinforced by the clay montmorillonite (OMMT) (Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B) were prepared by melt mixing. Glycidyl methacrylate‐grafted XNBR (XNBR‐g‐GMA) compatibilizer was used for immiscible blends of PA6/XNBR. The results illustrated that OMMT wanted to be selectively present in the more hydrophilic PA6 phase. Also, by adding the XNBR‐g‐GMA compatibilizer and increasing OMMT content, tensile strength, rheological and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites improved. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, a few layers of OMMT (Cloisite 20A) in the XNBR‐g‐GMA compatibilizer phase was observed. The results of X‐ray diffractometry and TEM analyses demonstrated that the formation of intercalated or exfoliated structures for both types of OMMT nanocomposites. In end of all analysis was found PA6/XNBR reinforced by the Cloisite 30B could be substantially improved by adding XNBR‐g‐GMA as a compatibilizer when compared to those reinforced by Cloisite 20A.

Natural rubber/natural rubber reclaim nanocomposites: Role of functional nanoparticles, mixing sequences and coupling agents

Elastomer vulcanizates based on natural rubber (NR), NR reclaim (NRR) and layered silicates were compounded in an internal mixer and cured on a two-roll mill. Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of samples based on 50NR/50NRR reinforced with Cloisite 20A, Cloisite 30B and Nanolin DK1 were compared to those of conventional NR/NRR/kaolin microcomposites. Due to the light/soft nature of organoclays suppressing the friction forces, the minimum torque values decreased in the presence of organoclays, whereas the crosslink density, evidenced by the difference between the maximum and minimum torque values, increased in all samples and scorch times shortened by 37% to a minimum in the presence of Nanolin alkaline/catalytic role in the cure reaction. Fatigue resistance improved by about 10% benefiting the crack tips blunting/energy consuming hysteresis mechanisms motivated by the organoclays among which Nanolin DK1 provides the most efficient dispersion/distribution of nanolayers by faster intragallery crosslinking reactions that pushes the stacks apart. Higher states of dispersion in this sample would also promote strain-induced crystallization under deformation responsible for the improvements seen in the modulus and elongation-at-break. Two-step mixing sequence further improved the compound performance due to the dispersion state progress confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (20% in fatigue resistance and 53% in tensile modulus). In-situ compatibilization through bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide bi-functional silane coupling agent also promoted modulus and fatigue resistance. However, a prolonged scorch time was observed due tothe blinded NR cure-reactive sites as well as steric hindrance of large functional groups in the presence of this coupling agent.

Dispersion state and hyperelastic behavior of tire tread compounds reinforced with nanoclay: Uniaxial tensile and compression studies

AbstractTire‐tread compounds based on natural rubber, butadiene rubber, and styrene‐butadiene rubber (65/20/15) were reinforced with Cloisite 15A. Clay state‐of‐dispersion in the ternary matrix (clay aspect ratio and clay/matrix interface yield strength) was estimated using Halpin–Tsai, Guth, and Leidner–Woodhams–Pukanszky micro‐mechanical models. The aspect ratio suggested by Halpin–Tsai (9.7) and Guth (16) models both propounded partially intercalated microstructure. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs indicated higher reliability of Halpin–Tsai theory. Wetting parameter values indicated the affinity of Cloisite 15A to disperse in butadiene rubber. However, it seems that clay particles were not provided with proper compounding conditions to further stabilize their thermodynamic state. The poor matrix/clay adhesion was responsible for the decrease in matrix/clay interface strength and thickness upon increasing clay content according to Leidner–Woodhams–Pukanszky. Hyperelastic modeling was conducted using Abaqus software (five strain energy potential forms) on the basis of large deformation uniaxial tension/compression measurements. Effect of nanoclay on the crosslink‐density of samples was justified by C10(Mooney–Rivlin) and locking‐stretch (Van der Waals) values. The sample containing 1 phr nanoclay presented the best fit to the hyperelastic models among the rest conforming to its small value of global interaction parameter “a”(Van der Waals model) calculated explaining minimum deviations. Overall, Marlow and Ogden provided the best consistency with the experimental stress–strain results.

Tensile and flexural characteristics of an epoxy-glass composite reinforced with Cloisite 15A nanoclay

Nanoclay weight percent, glass fiber volume percent and angle of orientation of fibers were selected as parameters to study their effect on tensile and flexural characteristics of epoxy-glass-clay nanocomposites (EGCNs). Response surface method (RSM) was utilized to analyze and fit a regression model for the tensile and flexural strength. The optimum values of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and flexural strength (σf) were 273.47 and 210.14 MPa, respectively, which were predicted using regression models at 2.5% (by wt) of nanoclay, 31.5% (by vol) of glass fiber and 0°/90° of fibers orientation. The predicted results were confirmed by performing experiments at the optimum conditions which were obtained as 262.37 and 214.76 MPa. The optimized result showed that UTS and σf were improved up to 30.8% and 36.3% compared to the composite containing 0% (by wt) of nanoclay, 31.5% (by vol) of glass fiber and 0°/90° of fibers orientation. The optimum values of tensile and flexural modulus were obtained as 25.99 and 11.81 GPa, respectively, which were 12.2% and 10.7% higher compared to those values of EGCN containing 0% (by wt) of nanoclay, 31.5% (by vol) of glass fiber and 0°/90° of fibers orientation. XRD test conducted to check the intercalation/exfoliation of the clay in the composite. The fracture surfaces of the EGCNs investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the failure occurred by crack propagation in the matrix followed by fiber breakage with little fiber-matrix debonding, whereas in case of EGCN with 0% (by wt) C15A fiber-matrix debonding followed by fiber breakage was observed.

Cloisite 10A as an Effective Antibacterial Agent in Polymer Matrices: Role of Nanoscale Roughness and Interfacial Interactions

AbstractPolymer–filler interactions play a major role in determining the antibacterial activity of organoclay in nanocomposites. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of polymer type on the antibacterial properties of an organically modified clay – cloisite 10A (C10A) – using poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) polymeric systems. Nanocomposite characterization using atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed an increase in roughness upon addition of the clay mineral, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed intercalation of the selected polymers into the interlayer spaces of the clay. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis supported the XRD findings. C10A in PCL thin films enhanced the bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus when compared to the C10A in PLA. The observed change could be the result of pronounced levels of interaction between the filler and polymer matrix in the C10A-PLA nanocomposite when compared to C10A-PCL. The higher interaction levels could hinder the diffusion of bactericidal agents from the nanocomposite membranes. The present study provided insight into the nature of interaction between nanocomposite components and its impact on bioactivity, which can have applications in terms of generating engineered antibacterial materials.

Use of Nanoindentation to Mechanically Characterized Polypropylene/Cloisite 15A Nanocomposites Films Exposed to Gamma‐Irradiation

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of γ‐irradiation on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/Cloisite 15A (5 wt %) nanocomposites is investigated by nanoindentation technique up to 100 kGy. The film samples, with an average thickness of 150 μm, are prepared by melt compounding with and without PP‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) used as the compatibilizer at 20 wt %. Nanoindentation results show an increase in both modulus and hardness with the irradiation dose for the PP nanocomposites, being however much higher for the compatibilized sample compared to both uncompatibilized one and neat PP. FTIR spectra show a strong absorption band at 1715 cm−1 in the irradiated samples assigned to ketonic groups whose intensity increased with the dose. Further, the oxidation rate of PP nanocomposites is faster than that of neat PP. Overall, the nanoindentation results are in a good agreement with those obtained by FTIR spectroscopy.

Study on thermal and mechanical behaviors of polypropylene grade 552R/Cloisite 15A nanocomposites suitable for yarn applications

The investigation of polypropylene (PP)/clay nanocomposites has received considerable scientific and technological attention during the last decades due to their good mechanical and barrier properties. In the present article, the effects of adding Cloisite15A (C15A) nanoclay in polypropylene (PP) were investigated. PP nanocomposites were prepared by a direct melt mixing method. For better dispersion of C15A, 30 wt% of nanoclay masterbatch was first prepared by melt mixing of PP matrix and acrylic acid grafted PP oligomer (PP- g-AA) in a compounder, before being used to produce nanocomposites with 2 and 5 wt% of C15A. The aim of this work was to used nanoclay filled nanocomposites with suitable properties for cable application like good flame-retardant property; improve dye-ability and resilience of polypropylene. The XRD results indicated an intercalated layer structure for nanocomposites, The SEM examination showed satisfactory dispersion of nanoclay in 2 wt% of C15A and some degree of agglomeration in 5 wt% of C15A. DSC analysis indicated that C15A acts as a nucleating agent and increases crystallinity in the nanocomposite. TGA showed with increasing nanoclay, heat resistance was improved and degradation temperatures increased. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests showed increased flame retardancy from 25% for neat polypropylene t0 32.2% for nanocomposites of 5 wt% of C15A. The tensile modulus was improved from 423 MPa for neat polypropylene to 474 MPa for nanocomposites with 5 wt% of C15A.This result indicates that increasing C15A content had a suitable effect on the tensile properties. Melt spinning investigation on low oriented yarn (LOY), draw textured yarn (DTY), and fully drawn yarn (FDY) of 2 wt% C15A nanocomposite showed a reduction of linear density for FDY and an increase of the shrinkage. Furthermore, the obtained results for the improvement of dye-ability and compression resilience showed that PP/C15A is appropriate for textile products.

Electrical properties of polymer blend composites based on Silicone rubber/EPDM/clay for high voltage insulators

Silicone rubber (SR) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) are widely-used polymers as housing for high voltage insulators. In this work, SR/EPDM/clay nanocomposites were obtained by two-roll mill mixing for outdoor polymeric insulators. Morphology, dielectric properties, dielectric breakdown strength (DBS), and surface and volume resistivity of different weight contents of nanoclay (Cloisite 15A) incorporated in SR, EPDM, and SR/EPDM hybrid nanocomposites were characterized. In addition, the distribution of breakdown voltages was fit to the distribution of Weibull and estimated the scale and shape parameters. The polar groups of the clay particles enhanced the polarization capability of the nanocomposites. Moreover, DBS results showed an enhancement of the dielectric strength proportional to clay content. Finally, the surface and volume resistance of all nanocomposites decreases but maintains very high electrical resistance. The experimental data presented in this study will be useful for designing and manufacturing the outdoor insulators.

Photoassisted degradation of rhodamine B using poly(ε‐caprolactone) based nanocomposites: Mechanistic and kinetic features

AbstractThe efficiency of poly (ε‐caprolactone)‐cloisite 10A nanocomposite membrane in removing/degrading of an amphoteric dye (rhodamine B) from aqueous samples under visible light is investigated in detail. Nanocomposite membranes were prepared by electrospinning technique using acetone‐chloroform mixture as solvent. The synthesized nanocomposites were used to degrade rhodamine B from aqueous samples under visible light conditions using a 50 W light‐emitting diode lamb. Samples were withdrawn at definite intervals of 30 min and analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy, LC‐Q‐ToF/MS‐MS, and antibacterial studies. Detailed chemistry of the rhodamine B degradation is reported by interpreting experimental results and using first‐principles density functional theory calculations. Cytotoxicity tests confirm the eco‐friendly nature of end product obtained. Nanocomposite with 9 wt% of cloisite 10A, effectively converts rhodamine B to eco‐friendly products within almost 3 h. To the best of our knowledge, no work has been reported on the use of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐cloisite 10A nanocomposites for dye removal from water samples.

Evaluation of Physico-mechanical and Antifungal Properties Of Gluten-based Film Incorporated with Vanillin, Salicylic Acid, and Montmorillonite (Cloisite 15A)

A novel wheat gluten (WG) film was developed by adding vanillin, salicylic acid, and montmorillonite cloisite 15A (MMT). Some physico-mechanical properties, including thickness, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), yellowness index (YI), whiteness index (WI), and water solubility (SWF) of the film were investigated using response surface methodology. Results revealed that maximum tensile strength occurred at the highest level of MMT and salicylic acid, and that the effect of MMT on elongation at break was considerable. The YI and WI of the composite films increased respectively, while the WI value and increment of MMT reduced. Moreover, the water solubility was raised with an increasing amount of MMT, vanillin, and salicylic content in the films. The optimum level of the variables obtained by the software was 0.92% vanillin, 0.94% salicylic acid, and 1.92% MMT (% w/w). The intensity and shifting of some absorption peaks in the FTIR spectra pattern confirmed the interaction of functional groups of additive and gluten chain. SEM images revealed an even distribution of the particles with no evidence of particle agglomeration in WG/vanillin/salicylic acid/MMT. Inhibition zone around the nanocomposite films against Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternate strains indicated antifungal activity of WG nanocomposite films, which was more considerably observed for Aspergillus niger.

Optimization of processing conditions on mechanical properties of Polypropylene nanocomposite reinforced with Gigantochloa Scortechinii via ANOVA

Defining the level and value of the appropriate parameters is very significant in seeing the quality in mechanical properties of the injection molding products, particularly affecting the advanced material such as nanocomposites. Consequently, this study was aimed to optimize the processing conditions to the mechanical properties of the sample in nanocomposite polypropylene reinforced with Gigantochloa Scortechinii fiber. The tests to be tested were flexural strength, shrinkage and warpage, and the factor chosen were melting temperature, filling time, packing pressure and screw speed. The bamboo fiber types Gigantochloa Scortechinii in form nano powder, and preheat at 120˚C after alkaline treatment, and so blended with polypropylene, Maleic anhydride, and cloisite 20A using two step of twin-screw extruder brabender. According the result from ANOVA, the flexural strength and shrinkage for 0wt% and 3wt% of Gigantochloa Scortechinii fiber, the most influence parameter is filling time, while the melt temperature for 6wt% of gigantochlia scortechinii fiber. For the result of warpage, for 0wt% and 3wt% of fiber Gigantochloa Scortechinii, the melting temperature is the highest factor prevailing warpage. Whereas for 6wt% of the fiber Gigantochloa Scortechinii, the packing pressure and screw speed are the highest factor. The conclusions of this study will be invaluable for quality dominance and benchmarking for future researchers.

Effect of Nanoclay in the Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Glass Fibre Reinforced Epoxy

This work investigates the effect of nanoclay in the mechanical and thermal characteristics of GFRP laminates. The Cloisite 15A nanoclay has added to the matrix with proportion of 1%, 2% and 3% by weight. The processed nanocomposites are characterized with X-Ray Diffraction to identify the inter layer spacing of clay in the matrix. The filler added epoxy, reinforced with the unidirectional glass fibre by hand layup technique and the specimens are tested for tension, hardness, flexural and fracture loadings. Dynamical mechanical analysis and thermo gravimetric tests are also conducted to understand the visco-elastic and thermal behaviour of the material. The addition of clay in the matrix generally increases the mechanical properties up to our consideration that is 3% clay loading. Thermal and visco-elastic behaviour found consistent up to 1% clay loading and reduces the performance after that in overall sense.