Loading Of Nanoclay Research Articles

Nanoclay-reinforced alginate aerogels: preparation and properties.

Flame-retardant materials that are mechanically robust, low cost and non-toxic from green and renewable resources are highly demanded in many fields. In this work, aerogels of alginate extracted from seaweeds were fabricated and reinforced with nanoclay. The nanoclay particles increase the molecular ordering (crystallinity) of the aerogels through physical interactions with alginate molecules. They also served as cross-linkers and flame-retardant additives to improve the mechanical strength, elasticity, thermal stability and flame-retarding properties of the aerogels. Under exposure to a butane flame (750 °C), the aerogels maintained their structural integrity and did not produce drips. An optimal loading of nanoclay which led to the best flame retardancy (non-flammable) of the aerogel was determined. The results of this work demonstrate that alginate-nanoclay composite aerogels can be promisingly used as flame-retardant thermal insulation materials.

Preparation and Properties of Nanoclay Reinforced High‐Performance Functional Poly(Itaconic Anhydride‐co‐Acrylamide) Nanomaterials

AbstractIn this work, poly(itaconic anhydride‐co‐acrylamide) copolymer was synthesized by free radical solution copolymerization and poly(itaconic anhydride‐co‐acrylamide)/nanoclay nanocomposites were prepared by in situ interlamellar copolymerization with three different loading of nanoclay. Intercalation and formation of nanostructures were clarified by spectroscopic techniques. The interaction/compatibility between nanoclay and the copolymer was verified by following the characteristic bands of nanoclay and functional groups in the ATR‐FTIR spectra. The increase in d‐spacing between silicate layers in nanocomposites was determined from XRD analysis. The thermal and viscoelastic properties of nanomaterials and the effect of simultaneous addition of nanofiller were evaluated by thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analysis. It was observed that nanocomposites reinforced with nanoclay had higher thermal stability than pristine poly(itaconic anhydride‐co‐acrylamide) and thermal stability increased proportionally with amount of nanoclay loaded. The improvement effect of the incorporated nanoclay on the storage modulus was observed at higher temperature values for the nanocomposite loaded with 4 % nanoclay.

Water based quad acrylic copolymer/cloisite 30B nanocomposite heat resistant adhesive: thermal and rheological properties

In this study, a quad acrylic copolymer composed of four monomers namely acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, butyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate/cloisite30B(C30B) nanocomposites with different loading of nanoclay (0.5–3.0%) is prepared by the in-situ method for heat resistant adhesive application. Different parameters like solid content, solubility, appearance, acid value, and pH values are measured for each nanoclay filled copolymer. For dispersion and thermal characterization of nanocomposite X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are performed. Epoxy resin along with curing agent is added to the acrylic copolymer/C30B nanocomposite to prepare adhesive. The rheological properties for amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, and temperature scan are analyzed. The nanoclay content doesn’t affect the shear-thinning component significantly but improves the complex viscosity and elastic behavior of the adhesives. The crossover point shows good dispersion of C30B up to 2.0% in nanocomposite adhesive. Peel strength is found to be increased with an increase in nanofiller content up to 2.0%. A significant improvement in peel strength is observed when exposed to 150 °C for 45 min. Temperature sweep study by rheology and peel strength results at high temperature suggest that these adhesives can be used in high-temperature resistance adhesive application areas like heat seal packaging and fabric lamination.

Low-velocity impact behavior of incorporated GFRP composites with nanoclay and nanosilica in a corrosive environment: Experimental and numerical study

Investigation and analysis of the dynamic behavior of composite materials and their failure resistance are essential. The main aim of this study is to investigate the improvement of impact properties of incorporated glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite specimens with various loading of nanoclay and nanosilica in a corrosive environment. After fabrication of samples by hand layup method, all of them were immersed in 5 wt. % of sulfuric acid solution for 0, 1 and 3 months. As the immersion time increased, the specimens containing nanosilica absorbed more water than the other samples. The force-displacement, force-time and energy-time diagrams showed the superiority of filled composites with nanoparticles over the pure sample in all immersion periods. Low-velocity impact (LVI) test results of specimens containing nanoclay showed a better behavior and with the addition of 5 wt. % of nanoclay, the impact force increased by 15.72% and the displacement decreased by 5.26%. Also, in these samples, the energy absorption rate decreased by 17.15%, which was associated with a reduction in the damage rate. After immersion of specimens in different times, specimens containing 5 wt. % of nanoclay had better strength than other samples and maintained their superior properties. The obtained results illustrated that the addition of 1 and 3 wt. % of nanosilica had no specific effect on the improvement of impact properties. Finally, incorporated GPRP composites with 3 wt. % of nanoparticles were simulated using LS-DYNA software and the experimental and numerical results were compared to investigate their accordance.

Mechanical, thermal and ablative behavior of organo nanoclay added carbon fiber/cyanate ester resin composites and effect of heat flux on its ablative performance

Nanoclay added cyanate ester resin (Type I) composites were fabricated by adding different weight percentages (0,1,2,4 & 6 wt%) of organo-modified Montmorillonite (o-MMT) and tested for dispersion by Small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS), thermal stability using Thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) and curing behavior using Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). This data was correlated with the thermomechanical properties of nanoclay added carbon fiber reinforced cyanate ester resin composites (C-CE composites /Type II). Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength of type II composites increased by about17%, 21% respectively at 2 wt% addition of nanoclay although at this loading nanoclay was found to show intercalation.Thermal stability of type II composites got reduced whereas the ablation rate has increased for type II composites with increased loading of nanoclay. However, percentage increase in ablation rate was found to be lower when type II composites were tested at 5000 kWm−2as compared to the ablation testing carried out at 1250 kWm−2. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicates significant melting of nanoclay at high flux resulting in additional protection mechanisms for the composites at high flux. Present study indicates the possibility of using o-MMT nanoclay for improved mechanical properties of C-CE composites used in thermal protection systems (TPS).

Mechanical and thermal characterisations of low-density polyethylene/nanoclay composites

The improvements of the thermal, mechanical, morphological properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/nanoclay (NC) composites were investigated. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with different NC contents 2 wt.% ( Vf = 8%), 4 wt.% ( Vf = 15), and 8 wt.% ( Vf = 27) with a fixed particle size (300μm) were prepared by the melt mixing process. The thermal tests (thermal gravimetric analysis) were performed to monitor the thermal stability of LDPE composites. The mechanical tests such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and strain at break were studied. The results of the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) display significant enhancement in thermal stability as the loading of NC increased in pure LDPE. The results showed that the NC fillers could effectively improve the mechanical properties of LDPE by comparison to pure LDPE, the tensile strength of LDPE/8 wt.% of NC are increasing by about 17% while Young’s modulus is increased by about 39%. From DMA results, the storage modulus is enhanced with increasing of NC loading into the LDPE matrix. The results of SEM photographs indicate that the incorporation 8 wt.% of NC displayed the best particles dispersion in the LDPE matrix.

Processing and characterization of 3D-printed nanoclay/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (abs) nanocomposite gear

In this study, the possibility of producing layered silicate-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using additive manufacturing procedures was investigated. In particular, this investigation presents novel methods for making nanoclay-infused acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composite spur gear. The gear was developed by introducing different weight percentages of nanoclay (0–5 wt%), on each acrylonitrile butadiene styrene layer. A square panel of 6 layers with varying proportions of nanoclay was fabricated using a 3D printer. The effect of nanoclay loading on the mechanical properties such as impact, tensile, flexural, and DMA of spur gears created using pure acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and nanoclay-infused nanocomposite was investigated and compared. The strength of the developed spur gear varies with different loading of nanoclay. The results that the spur gear, with 2 wt% nanoclay, offered superior properties. The micrographs showed the dispersion of nanoclay strongly bonded with the matrix, resulting in improved strength and stiffness. The improvement in mechanical properties depicts the effectiveness of additive manufacturing procedure with an enormous benefit for the mass production of gears of different types.

Mechanical Strength Improvement of Mud Motor’s Elastomer by Nano Clay and Prediction the Working Life via Strain Energy

In directional drilling, the most important thing that leads to pulling out the drill string is end of mud motor working life. Considering the working conditions of down hole mud motors; increasing the mechanical properties of their stator’s elastomer is crucial. Some attempts were done to increase the motor performance through geometrical changes but lack of material improvement is significant in previous studies. In this study, NBR/nanoclay composite samples were prepared through melt intercalation in an internal mixer and tested with regard to the temperature and drilling mud of down hole. Hardness, tear, fatigue and tensile test results of neat NBR elastomer and nanocomposite of NBR and different loading of nanoclay showed that the mechanical strength of new composites are considerably increased. With the help of strain energy method it was revealed that the life of NBR/nanoclay composite compared to neat NBR was enhanced. Therefore, increasing the working life and performance of the motor is achievable by using this nanocomposite. In the drilling industry, there is a direct relation between time and cost; therefore, increasing the working life of the motor leads to a considerable cost reduction in this expensive industry.

Enhancing the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Films Based on Poly Lactic Acid/OMMT Nano Clay

Organic (PLA) inorganic (OMMT nano clay) hybrid nanocomposite films were fabricated using poly lactic acid (PLA) with various weight percentages (1-3wt%) of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nano clay by means of one step solvent casting method. The thermal, mechanical and water absorption properties were determined as per standard testing methods to determine the optimum percentage loading of OMMT nano clay within the PLA-OMMT nanocomposite was investigated. The surface morphology of the organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite films was analyzed through XRD, SEM, and TEM surface analytical techniques. The incorporation of OMMT clay in to PLA matrix is found to have enhanced the thermo-mechanical properties. The water absorption and solubility test results also support the data from thermo-mechanical tests. The 2 wt % OMMT clay loaded PLA films showed the best results among all. The obtained results showed that the thermal, mechanical and water absorption properties could be increased significantly with the optimum incorporation of OMMT nano clay in a PLA matrix, in comparision wih the neat PLA.

Tribo-Mechanical Responses of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposites

Abstract In the trending materials technology, nano composites are gaining importance due to enhanced mechanical, thermal and optical properties. Among various nanofillers used in fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites, nanoclays have received several attractions among academia and researchers due to its high aspect ratio and characteristic exfoliation/intercalation properties. The stiffness of glass fibre reinforced polymer composites is not very high in comparison to carbon fibres. In the present work, an attempt has been made to enhance the stiffness and tribological properties of glass fibres by mixing nanoclays in the epoxy matrix. Hand lay up method was adopted to make ten layered glass fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composite. The weight percentage of nanoclay was 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% to understand the behaviour of the hybrid composites. It was observed that 5% loading of nanoclay shows the optimum amount at which all the properties like hardness, impact strength, flexural strength and specific wear rate was increased. However, with further increase in nanoclays, all the above said properties were deteriorated. At 5% nanoclay content, hardness increased by 33.8%, impact strength by 74.8%, flexural strength and modulus by 37.5% and 37.67% respectively. Hence the above hybrid composite may be considered as a better composite for various structural and industrial applicationse.

Investigation of improvement of thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene / nano clay composites

This work aims to study the characterizations and modifications of systems based on polypropylene (PP) and nanoclay (NC). In this context, the effects of thermal and mechanical properties of the compsites of nanoclays with different loading of 1, 3, and 6% incorporated in PP matrix were investigated. The influences of thermal and mechanical properties on the preparation of polypropylene/nanoclay (PPNC) composite were investigated. The results of the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that thermal stability increased with higher loadings of nanoclay. The tensile properties of PP and PPNC were also studied. The tensile strength of PP with the higher loading of nanoclay increased by 24.40% compared to that of the pure PP matrix (27.5MPa). The modulus of elasticity of PPNC with higher loading of 6% NC was higher by 17.32% than that of pure PP. The elongation at break of PPNC reduced by 53%, by comparing with pure PP. The Tg of PNCC with higher loading of NC were higher by 8.6%. The degree of crystallinity of PPNC was higher by 27% than pure PP.

Partial replacement of carbon black by nanoclay in butyl rubber compounds for tubeless tires

Abstract Carbon black is the typical reinforcing agent used to enhance the physico-mechanical properties of rubber compounds. 40 to 60 wt.-% of carbon black is required to achieve the desired properties for tubeless tire liners and tire tread. Fly loss of carbon black particles during fabrication directly affects the respiratory tract of the human. Carbon is a type of carcinogen that induces lungs cancer, when exposed for a certain period of time. The research work aims in minimizing the quantity of carbon black in the rubber compound and compensating the physico-mechanical properties through minimal loading of nanoclay. Butyl rubber (IIR) nanocomposites are prepared using organically modified Cloisite 30B type nanoclay and carbon black. In order to overcome the compatibility mismatch between nonpolar IIR and polar nanoclay, chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) is used as a compatibilizer. Morphology, cure characteristics, mechanical and gas barrier properties of the prepared rubber compounds are analyzed. Faster cu...

High-Throughput Fabrication Method for Producing a Silver-Nanoparticles-Doped Nanoclay Polymer Composite with Novel Synergistic Antibacterial Effects at the Material Interface.

In this study, we report a high-throughput fabrication method at industrial pilot scale to produce a silver-nanoparticles-doped nanoclay-polylactic acid composite with a novel synergistic antibacterial effect. The obtained nanocomposite has a significantly lower affinity for bacterial adhesion, allowing the loading amount of silver nanoparticles to be tremendously reduced while maintaining satisfactory antibacterial efficacy at the material interface. This is a great advantage for many antibacterial applications in which cost is a consideration. Furthermore, unlike previously reported methods that require additional chemical reduction processes to produce the silver-nanoparticles-doped nanoclay, an in situ preparation method was developed in which silver nanoparticles were created simultaneously during the composite fabrication process by thermal reduction. This is the first report to show that altered material surface submicron structures created with the loading of nanoclay enables the creation of a nanocomposite with significantly lower affinity for bacterial adhesion. This study provides a promising scalable approach to produce antibacterial polymeric products with minimal changes to industry standard equipment, fabrication processes, or raw material input cost.

Influence of nanoclay on mechanical and thermal properties of glass fiber reinforced polymer nanocomposites

A novel approach was carried out to evaluate the effects of nanoclay in nanocomposite laminates based on mechanical properties, thermal analysis, and surface structure analysis. The composite panel was fabricated by reinforcing glass fiber with epoxy resin. Likewise, nanocomposite panels were fabricated by reinforcing glass fiber with nanoclay loaded epoxy. The loading of Cloisite 25A nanoclay in epoxy resin is varied as 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% on weight basis. Upon completion of curing, the composite panel and nanocomposite panels were fabricated by using compression molding. The tensile test exhibited that the addition of nanoclay in epoxy resin has improved the tensile strength and Young's modulus by 33.39% and 15.88%, respectively for 2 wt% clay loading laminates than unfilled laminate. Likewise, the greater flexural strength of 438.04 MPa and flexural modulus of 22.12 GPa were attained for 2 wt% nanoclay/epoxy nanocomposite. The thermal results disclosed that greater thermal stability was attained between temperatures ranges from 0°C to 180°C for low clay content. The surface morphology too proved that the prepared laminates of 2 wt% loading exhibited appreciable surface property. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:1861–1868, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Dual Reinforcement Effect of Nanoclay and Jute Fiber on the Mechanical Properties of Polyester Resin

The research work aims in analysing the effect of minimal loading of nanoclay in altering the mechanical properties of jute fiber reinforced polyester (JFRP) composites. Nanoclay content of 0.5 Wt.% has been constantly maintained for polyester composites containing 5 and 7.5 Wt.% jute fibers. Nanoclay was incorporated in polyester resin by magnetic stirring at 80°C for 3 hours. Further, the JFRP composites were fabricated by a conventional method known as hand lay-up method. Nanoclay filled polyester-jute fiber composites showed enhancement in tensile, flexural, impact strength and modulus of elasticity compared to pure, fiber reinforced polyester and nanoclay filled resin. Uniform distribution of nanoclay in the polyester matrix may form a strong physical interaction at the interface between the fiber and matrix. Surface morphology of the tensile fractured surface viewed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) proved less fiber pull-out due to presence of nanoclay.

Enhancement of physical and optical performances of polycarbonate‐based diffusers for direct‐lit LED backlight unit by incorporation of nanoclay platelets

ABSTRACTUsing twin‐extrusion compounding followed by compression molding processes, polycarbonate/clay nanocomposite optical diffusers with highly intercalated and exfoliated nanostructure could be prepared for application in direct‐lit LED backlight unit. The incorporation of nanoclay platelets with an appropriate level of content substantially improved thermal resistance, as well as thermo‐mechanical, and mechanical flexural properties. The optical property of luminance uniformity with respect to both location and viewing angle was also enhanced by the load of nanoclay platelets along with silicone bead, probably due to efficient scattering and diffusion action of the nanoclay. However, excess loading of nanoclay had insignificant effect on the improvement of properties for the nanocomposite diffusers. In addition, the presence of nanoclay platelets in the PC matrix effectively suppressed the moisture absorption rate, suggesting the feasibility of avoiding the warpage phenomena of the optical diffuser during use. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42973.

Preparation of poly(vinyl acetate-co-dibutyl maleate)/ sodium-montmorillonite nanocomposite via in situ reverse iodine transfer radical polymerization

Among other controlled radical polymerization techniques, reverse iodine transfer radical polymerization (RITP) has recently been developed for synthesis of polymers with controlled characteristics. In the present work, poly(vinyl acetate-co-dibutyl maleate)/ sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) nanocomposites were synthesized via bulk RITP of the vinyl acetate and dibutyl maleate in the presence of Na-MMT, molecular iodine and 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitryle) (AIBN) at 70 °C. Effect of the Na-MMT loading on the conversion, molecular weight and its distribution were studied by 1H-NMR and GPC analyses respectively. Structure of the nanocomposites was investigated by XRD and TEM analyses. It was found that under similar conditions, conversion, copolymerization rate and molecular weight of the produced copolymers decrease in the presence of Na-MMT especially when the higher loading of nanoclay (5 wt%) is used. Also, molecular weight distribution increased in the presence of clay. It can be attributed to the existence of an interaction between the functional groups in the clay’s surface and the reactants as well as probably to the undesirable chain transfer reactions in the presence of nanoclay. Moreover, results showed that conversion and molecular weight of the copolymer increase by increasing iodine amount in a reaction mixture containing nanoclay, verifying again existence of the interaction between the functional groups in the clay’s surface and the reactants (I2 and monomers). The XRD and TEM results indicated that intercalated structure is formed at a low conversion while exfoliated structure can also be formed at a higher conversion.

Effects of nanoclay and short nylon fiber on morphology and mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on NR/SBR

Natural rubber and styrene butadiene rubber (NR/SBR) reinforced with both short nylon fibers and nanoclay (Cloisite 15A) nanocomposites were prepared in an internal and a two roll-mill mixer by a three-step mixing process. The effects of fiber loading and different loading of nanoclay (1, 3 and 5 wt. %) were studied on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The adhesion between the fiber and the matrix was improved by the addition of a dry bonding system consisting of resorcinol, hexamethylene tetramine and hydrated silica (HRH). This silicate clay layers was used in place of hydrated silica in a HRH bonding system for SBR/NR-short nylon fiber composite. Nanoclay was also used as a reinforcing filler in the matrix-short fiber hybrid composite. The cure and scorch times of the composites decreased while cure rate increased when the short fiber and nanoclay were added. The mechanical properties of the composites showed improvement in both longitudinal and transverse directions with increasing short fiber and nanoclay content. The structure of the nanocomposites was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction results of nanocomposites indicated that the interlayer distance of silicate layers increased. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites (tensile, hardness and tear strength) are examined and the outcome of these results is discussed in this paper.

Viscoelastic and thermal properties of full and partially cured DGEBA epoxy resin composites modified with montmorillonite nanoclay exposed to UV radiation

Effects of UV radiation and associated elevated temperature on properties of polymeric composites have been well documented, limiting the scope of their usage in outdoor applications. In order to improve on this limitation, current study focused on incorporating nanoparticles into epoxy polymer composites and delay onset of deleterious effects of UV radiation by partially curing these samples. Samples were fabricated and cured to 80% conversion (partially cured) based on isothermal cure kinetic studies. Influence of 1, 2 and 3 wt. % loading of montmorillonite nanoclay on the cure behavior and development of physical properties of these composites were evaluated. Results of the study revealed that for optimization of modified epoxy composite properties a different curing cycle was necessary due to interaction of different amounts of nanoclay and epoxy molecules. Fabricated samples infused with 1, 2 and 3 wt. % montmorillonite nanoclay were exposed to 2500 h of continuous UV radiation, where effects of UV radiation on viscoelastic and thermal properties were evaluated and compared with identical set of fabricated samples using manufacturers' recommended cycle (fully cured). Addition of nanoclay increased the viscoelastic properties, and at the end of the study, storage modulus and activation energy of decomposition of partially cured samples evolved over exposure time, while fully cured samples degraded over the same period. Samples cured to 80% showed delayed UV radiation degradation effects.

Influence of Nanoclay on the Durability of Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites Subjected to Ultraviolet Radiation

Effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites (CFRC) were investigated in this study. Composites samples used for this study were fabricated using an SC-15 resin system modified with 1, 2, and 3 wt% loading of montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT; Nanomer®1.28E) and 8 harness satin weave carbon fiber reinforcements. Fabricated samples were UV conditioned using QUV/SE, an accelerated weathering chamber. Mechanical properties were characterized through quasi-static and dynamic compression, and flexural tests. Viscoelastic properties were determined through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Results show an increase in mechanical properties up to 56% for 2 wt% samples at room temperature, and an overall decrease in mechanical properties after conditioning. Viscoelastic properties, such as glass transition temperature (Tg ), increased with nanoclay content for room temperature. However, 2 and 3 wt% samples showed a decrease in Tg after conditioning, while an increase was observed in the case of neat and 1 wt% samples. On the other hand, storage modulus showed an increase in both conditioned and unconditioned samples with increasing nanoclay content up to 2 wt% and a decrease for 3 wt%.