Types Of Organoclays Research Articles

Colorless and transparent polyimide nanocomposites using organically modified montmorillonite and mica

In this study, we introduce a method for replacing the glass used in existing display electronic materials, lighting, and solar cells by synthesizing a colorless and transparent polyimide (CPI) film with excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability using a combination of new monomers. Poly(amic acid) (PAA) was synthesized using dianhydride 4,4′-biphthalic anhydride (BPA) and diamine 2,2-bis(3-amino-4-hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane (AHP). Various contents of organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) and mica were dispersed in PAA solution through solution intercalation, and then CPI hybrid films were prepared through multi-step thermal imidization. The organoclays synthesized to prepare CPI hybrid films were Cloisite 93A (CS-MMT) and hexadimethrine-mica (HM-Mica) based on MMT and mica, respectively. In particular, the diamine monomer AHP containing a –OH group was selected to increase the dispersibility and compatibility between the hydrophilic clays and the CPI matrix. To demonstrate the characteristics of CPI, the overall polymer structure was bent and a strong electron withdrawing –CF3 group was used as a substituent. The thermomechanical properties, morphology of clay dispersion, and optical transparency of the CPI hybrid films were investigated and compared according to the type and content of organoclays. Two types of organoclays, CS-MMT and HM-Mica, were dispersed in a CPI matrix at 1 to 7 wt%, respectively. In electron microscopy, most of the clays were uniformly dispersed in a plate-like shape of less than 20 nm at a certain critical content of the two types of organoclays, but agglomeration of the clays was observed when the content was higher than the critical content. Hybrids using HM-Mica had better thermomechanical properties and hybrids containing CS-MMT had better optical transparency.

Comprehensive characterizations of organoclay types based on their integration to poly (butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites

Comprehensive characterizations of organoclay types based on their integration to poly (butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites

Influence of water saturation on interlayer properties of HDTMA-, HDTMP-, and HDPy-modified montmorillonite organoclays

Surfactant-modified clay minerals, organoclays, are well-studied and used commercially for removing contaminants from water. Nevertheless, dry organoclay properties are typically used to understand and predict contaminant sorption. In this work, the effects of water saturation on two properties important to contaminant sorption were examined: organoclay interlayer space and surfactant alkyl tail conformational ordering. Montmorillonite was modified to 0.25–3.0 CEC using three surfactants: hexadecyltrimethylammonium (HDTMA), hexadecylpyridinium (HDPy), and hexadecyltrimethylphosphonium (HDTMP). At low surfactant-loadings (< 1 CEC and < 15% fOC), water saturation expanded the maximum organoclay interlayer by 4–8 Å, depending on the surfactant and its loading but had little effect on surfactant tail conformational ordering. At low surfactant loadings, water saturation likely promotes contaminant sorption relative to expectations based on dry organoclay properties, particularly for larger contaminants, due to a relaxation of the physical constraints of the interlayer. At higher surfactant loadings, HDTMA and HDTMP organoclays showed relatively small effects of water saturation, but effects were significant for HDPy organoclays. The maximum interlayer space of the HDPy organoclay at 20.7% fOC expanded 3-fold (+22.3 Å) upon hydration, which is attributed to a substantial rearrangement of the pyridinium headgroup. All HDPy organoclays with fOC > 20% experienced a notable increase in the alkyl tail conformational ordering upon hydration, becoming fully solid-like, even as negligible interlayer expansion occurred at the highest loadings. At high HDPy-loading water saturation would likely restrict sorption of contaminants relative to what might be expected based on dry properties, due to the energetic barrier of cavity formation in the more solid-like interlayer phase. This work provides evidence from three types of organoclays that water-saturated organoclay properties can differ substantially from those of dry organoclays. Characterization of organoclays under water-saturated conditions that are relevant to contaminant sorption will facilitate our understanding and improvement of organoclay performance.

Development of emulsified acid system (EAS) using organoclays (OC): Rheology and implication to the acidizing

Matrix acidizing is a well-stimulation technique extensively used in the petroleum industry to increase well productivity by removing scales and creating channels in the rocks. However, conventional acidizing fluids used in this process have some limitations such as rapid reactions with scale and fines, high acid strength, and corrosion of equipment at high temperatures. To address these issues, emulsified acid system (EAS) is used in fracturing and acidizing operations for carbonate reservoirs to improve well productivity by removing formation damage. EAS can help to improve well productivity by creating deeper and narrower wormholes through reduced reaction rates of acid due to the external oil phase. However, EAS has limitations such as low stability at high temperatures, high viscosity that restricts pumping rates, potential formation damage, and difficulty in achieving homogenous mixing. Pickering emulsions, which use solid microparticles as a stabilizer instead of surfactants, show promise in overcoming these challenges due to their easy preparation, good thermal stability, and low viscosity at high shear rates.This study investigates the use of different types of organoclays (OC) for the development of an emulsified HCl acid systems for carbonate reservoirs. Several experiments were conducted to demonstrate and evaluate the use of OC for EAS and to improve field operations. To advance the development of EAS, a meticulous process was undertaken to select and optimize OCs as the key component. It include mineral characterization by XRD and XRF techniques, optimization of OC concentration (250–1000 ppm), and mixing speed (4000–8000 RPM). The thermal stability of the EAS was evaluated for a temperature range of 25–160 °C and a comprehensive analysis of EAS rheology (0.1–1000 sec−1) was performed. The conductivity, drop-test analysis, as well as micrographic analysis, were carried out to ensure the formation of invert emulsion. It was found that the required mixing speed was 6000 RPM and the optimum OC concentration was 500 ppm for developing a stable invert emulsion. The viscosity of the EAS shows increasing trends with an increase in temperature at the low shear rates (below 10 sec−1); however, at high shear rates (higher than 10 sec−1), the EAS viscosity decreases with temperature. The study found that OCs are promising emulsifiers for creating EAS with good thermal stability and low viscosity at high shear rates. The EAS formulated using OC were robust and thermally stable, making them suitable for field mixing procedures. Additionally, the OC used in the study are cost-effective, readily available, environmentally friendly, and have a high surface area, making them advantageous as an emulsifier.

Dispersion and morphology analysis of PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites using the Ripley functions and determination of effective elastic properties

This paper deals with the microstructure of PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites and their effective elastic properties by the means of micro-mechanical modeling and numerical homogenization. PMMA matrix was reinforced by two types of organoclay (Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B) at both weight fraction from 1wt% to 5wt%. The microstructure characterization was based on the TEM images from which, Ripley functions K(r) and ImageJ software were used for organoclays dispersion and morphology analyses, respectively. Microstructures parameters such as elastic properties, volume fraction, random dispersion, platelet and prism inclusion types and aspect ratios were considered to 3D RVEs generation using Digimat-FE software. From the 3D RVEs, the numerical models were obtained and the effective elastic properties were determined by using Digimat-FE Solver. Thus, the variation of the computed properties has been investigated and illustrated. The Young’s moduli (E) of each aspect ratio were compared to experimental data. From the results, the nanocomposite rigidity depends not only on the organoclays volume fraction in PMMA matrix but also on the dispersion state and the considered aspect ratio. The inclusion type would therefore not have an important impact on the effective elastic properties. Considering the same volume fraction and dispersion state of the organoclays, the best elastic effective properties were obtained for the smallest aspect ratio.

Morphology and physico-mechanical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene/polypropylene ternary polymer blend and its nanocomposites with organoclay: The effect of nature of organoclay and method of preparation

This work presents the role of organoclay type (hydrophilic C30B vs hydrophobic C15A) and feeding mode (sequential vs. simultaneous) on a model ternary blend system poly (methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene/polypropylene (PMMA/PS/PP, 80/05/15). The rheological and thermal properties of these nanocomposites are linked to their morphology, which is mainly controlled by the preparation method and the nature of the organoclays. Using oscillatory shear rheology and dynamic mechanical analyses, both organoclays were shown to be mainly localized in the PMMA matrix. However, the more polar C30B showed a greater affinity toward the matrix. Studying the morphology using electron microscopy revealed that at 1 wt% of the organoclays, the original core-shell morphology of the blend was retained regardless of the feeding sequence. At 3 wt% of the organoclays, however, the core-shell morphology was only retained in the case of C30B-based nanocomposites prepared using sequential feeding mode. In the other cases, the increased solid-like behavior of the PS phase prevented the formation of a shell. Overall, it was shown that the feeding sequence and the affinity of organoclays towards different blend components determined their localization and therefore the eventual morphology of the nanocomposite.

Laboratory evaluation of PAHs removal by multi-functional green pervious concrete (MGPC) pavement

Stormwater runoff-induced polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminants increasingly endanger the groundwater reserve and ecosystems due to the extensive coverage of impervious pavements in urban surroundings. The multi-functional green pervious concrete (MGPC) pavement, a type of organoclay modified pervious concrete pavement, is proved to be an innovative and effective stormwater management method as well as an environmental technology for controlling the runoff both in quantity and quality. To further study the field applicability of the MGPC pavement, extensive experiments should be conducted by considering multiple variables that represent different scenarios, such as rainfall intensity, traffic flow, and traffic loads, stability, and reusability. This study conducts a laboratory-scale investigation of MGPC pavement performance on PAHs removal by varying a series of PAH initial concentrations, flow rate, and contamination cycles. The results indicated that lower initial PAHs concentration and slower flow rate promoted the PAHs removal efficiency, and the MGPC pavement still kept considerable PAHs adsorption capacity after 50 contamination cycles. The results provide important references in evaluating and designing the MGPC pavement as a stormwater management method with attenuating the runoff-induced PAHs contamination.

Morphology and Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ethylene-Octene Copolymer Blends with Different Organoclay Types

This work studied the morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) (80/20) blends with different organoclay types. Herein, EOC was introduced to toughening PLA by melt blending and organoclay was used to improve compatibility and tensile properties of the blends. The two organoclay types were nanoclay surface modified with aminopropyltriethoxysilane 0.5-5 wt% and octadecylamine 15-35% (Clay-ASO) and nanoclay surface modified with dimethyl dialkyl (C14-C18) amine 35-45 wt% (Clay-DDA). The organoclay contents were 3, 5 and 7 phr. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation results revealed PLA/EOC blends demonstrated a two-phase separation of dispersed EOC phase and PLA matrix phase. The addition of organoclay significantly improved the compatibility between PLA and EOC phases due to EOC droplet size decreased dominantly in PLA matrix, so organoclay could act as an effective compatibilizer. The incorporation of organoclay increased significantly tensile strength of PLA/EOC/organoclay composites while Young’s modulus increased with 5 phr of organoclay. The thermal stability of PLA/EOC blends did not change when compared with neat PLA, and when added Clay-ASO in the blends could improve the thermal stability of the PLA/EOC blends.

Various properties of recycled PET (rPET)/organoclay nanocomposite fibres

ABSTRACTToday, the production of polymeric nanocomposite materials is one of the most important research fields. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of organoclay particles on recycled polyester (rPET) fibre properties. In the literature, the studies mostly concerned with the engineering plastic applications, and hence the investigations were done on pellet and injection-moulded rPET/organoclay nanocomposite samples. Actually, fibre application is the most important market for PET wastes, but unfortunately, there are only a few papers regarding rPET/organoclay composite fibre properties. In the study, rPET/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation process with different modified organoclay types (3 wt-%), and multifilament fibres were spun by the melt spinning method. Morphological and thermal properties of nanocomposites and surface structure, tensile, and thermal stability properties of the fibres were tested. The results indicated that the distribution of clay particles and organoclay types had a significant influence on various fibres properties.

Mechanical, thermal and rheological characterization of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites containing aliphatic elastomer modifiers

In this study, organoclay containing polystyrene (PS) based nanocomposites were prepared by extrusion in the presence of aliphatic elastomer modifiers. Three different types of aliphatic elastomeric materials and three different types of organoclays were used. Their effects on the morphology, and mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PS were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile and impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and melt flow index measurements, respectively. Lotader AX8900, Lotader AX8840 and Lotader 2210 were chosen as the aliphatic elastomeric compatibilizers; and Cloisite 15 A, Cloisite 25 A and Cloisite 30B were chosen as the organoclays. The organoclay content was kept constant at 2 wt% and elastomer content was kept constant at 5 wt% throughout the study. Significant improvement is observed on the basal spacing for 30B containing samples according to XRD analysis. SEM studies indicate that the clay particles mostly reside between the PS matrix and the spherical elastomeric domains. Additions of elastomer and organoclay decrease the MFI value of PS. Mechanical test results show that, improvement is observed in elongation at break of unfilled PS with the addition of elastomers. Organoclay addition increases the tensile modulus of PS. According to thermal characterizations, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS decreases with elastomer addition, whereas organoclay addition shifts Tg values to higher temperatures.

Thermal and Structure Analysis Based on Exfoliation of Clay in Thermosensitive Polymer by in-situ Polymerization

Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) offers superior characteristics as a thermoresponsive polymer for various potential applications. An attractive procedure, namely in-situ polymerization, was used to prepare NVCL/clay nanocomposite in different clay ratios. Organo-modified clay as C20 and B30 were employed in a range between 1–5% based on weight. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to study thermal decomposition and to assess bond conversion during polymerization of the nanocomposite. This research was conducted to study PNVCL characteristics with the addition of clay as a nanocomposite. The stretch mode of the carboxylic group (C=O) and (C=C) was present in the band range about ~1635 cm–1 for the C20, but it was ranging between 1640 to 1664 cm–1 for the B30 of the nanocomposite. It was observed that the decomposition was different for each type of organoclay and the temperature peaked at 30 to 800 °C, to measure the degradation points at 5, 10, and 50%. Comparison results for FTIR and TGA showed that the best nanocomposite was found in the C20 (3%) case.

Recycled HDPE/PET Clay Nanocomposites

Recycling waste plastics will support the preservation of natural resources and energy consumption. New challenges arise for the development of products that take advantage of solid waste. Upgrading recycled plastics using nanotechnology can tailor and consequently improve plastic properties for industrial applications. This research aims to process and relate the morphology and thermo-mechanical properties of recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) clay nanocomposites. Blends of rHDPE (75 wt %) coming from packaging and rPET (25 wt %) from bottles were mixed with two organoclays (Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B) (3 wt %) and a compatibilizer agent based on ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate (EGMA) (5 wt %). The recycled plastics nanocomposites were processed using a single-screw extruder incorporating a dispersive and distributive mixer and an injection molding machine. Several techniques were used to characterize the dispersion, morphology, mechanical properties and compatibilization of these composite blends. The reinforcing effect of rPET in the continuous rHDPE phase depended on the organoclay type and the compatibilizer additive. Both organoclays increased the stiffness and strength of rHDPE and rPET as evidenced by an increase in the corresponding Young modulus and ultimate tensile strength. EGMA increased the compatibility in the recycle plastics blend and in the clays nanocomposites as evidenced in elongation and energy at break results. On the other side, Cloisite 20A showed to be more compatible with EGMA than Cloisite 30B in these rHDPE/rPET blends based on the thermo-mechanical properties results.

Polyhydroxyl gemini surfactant-modified montmorillonite for efficient removal of methyl orange

Two types of organoclays including dioctadecyl tetrahydroxyethyl dibromopropane diammonium (DTDD) and octadecylmethyldihydroxyethyl ammonium bromide (OMDAB) modified montmorillonites (DMt and OMt) were fabricated by microwave synthesis for the first time, of which structure, morphology and surface properties were explored by different techniques. This study revealed that the amount of adsorbent, pH, and the initial concentration of methyl orange (MO) solution had significant effects on the adsorption capacity of DMt. The adsorption mechanisms of DMt and OMt to MO were proposed based on the characterizations, adsorption kinetic models and adsorption isotherms, which proved that DMt could adsorb MO in the faster manner with higher affinity. (The estimated maximum adsorption capacities of DMt-1.0 and OMt predicted by the Langmuir isotherm model was 250.63 and 91.11 mg g−1, respectively.) Compared with the pristine Na-Mt, OMt, and C43H92N2Cl2-modified montmorillonite (18-3-18-Mt), DMt-1.0 containing hydroxyls in the alkyl chain of gemini surfactant molecule had the best adsorption capacity for MO removal from aqueous media.

Catalytic Degradation of Organic Dye Using Organobentonite Gelatin Nanohybrid Film

Organoclay minerals are meant to effectively involve in the adsorption of organic compounds and can be subjected to photodegradative activities in effluent treatment. In that sense, organobentonite, a type of organoclay, is also found to be useful in the effluent pretreatment due to its commercial availability and low cost. However, the use of thin film in the dye removal process enables easier handling and removal from the treatment setup. The current work was focussed to prepare a nanohybrid film consisting of organobentonite and gelatin. The produced nanohybrid film was tested for its tensile strength, elastic modulus and its extension at maximum load along with its thickness, water solubility, light transmission & opacity, swelling property and soil degradation capacity. The tensile strength of the nanohybrid film was found to increase with respect to the increase in the concentration of organobentonite added than that of the control without it. The extension at maximum load was also increased from 20.6mm to 43.4mm. The elastic modulus was found to be slightly changed by the addition of organobentonite. The soil degradation of nanohybrid films was 3-4 days while the gelatin film degraded in 5days. This nanohybrid film was tested in the catalytic degradation of methylene blue dye by taking absorbance value at 665 nm at a different interval of time and about 91% of the dye was effectively degraded within 2hrs under sunlight illumination than in the dark. Thus, this nanohybrid film can be used for the dye degradation process.

Polylactide/organoclay nanocomposites: The effect of organoclay types on the structure development and the kinetic of cold crystallization

Polylactide (PLA)/organoclay composites were prepared by melt compounding with 4 phr of two different types of organoclays (cloisite 20A and cloisite 30B). Structure development and nonisothermal kinetic of cold crystallization of PLA/organoclay nanocomposites were examined by using of X‐ray diffraction technique, transmission electron microscopy, melt viscoelastic measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. XRD results demonstrated that the melt intercalation of PLA chains into the cloisite 30B and cloisite 20A galleries was achieved to the same extent. However, it was shown that, PLA/cloisite 20A sample exhibited a significant viscosity upturn and a pronounced nonterminal low frequency storage modulus whose values were greater than those of PLA/cloisite 30B nanocomposite. A detailed analysis of the linear melt viscoelastic properties for the filled and unfilled samples at low frequencies was conducted by fitting the complex viscosity and storage modulus data with Carreau–Yasuda and Fractional Zener models, respectively. The glass transition, cold crystallization, melting temperature, and degree of crystallinity of virgin PLA and PLA/organoclay nanocomposites were inspected. Subsequently, the cold crystallization kinetics was analyzed by Avrami, Jezioney, and Lauritzen–Hoffman kinetic models. It was shown that, the crystallization rate followed Avrami equation with the exponent n around 2.4. From Lauritzen–Hoffman equation and Kissinger model, the nucleation parameter Kg and activation energy were estimated, respectively. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:48–58, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

A combined experimental and theoretical approach to quantitative assessment of microstructure in PLA/PP/Organo-Clay nanocomposites; wide-angle x-ray scattering and rheological analysis

Abstract A rheological study and morphological investigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) techniques were performed on the single step melt processed poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/polypropylene (PP)/organoclay counterpart blend nanocomposites prepared via a micro-compounder. Two types of organoclay, Cloisite 30B and 15A were used for the preparation of the nanocomposites. Using a thermodynamic approach and with the aid of experimental techniques, it was indicated that both types of organoclay tend to localize within the PLA phase. Accordingly, in PLA-rich blends, 30B organoclay was localized in the matrix while in the PP-rich system the organoclay (15A) was mainly concentrated within the dispersed phase and also at the interface. In analyzing the WAXS results, two quantities, derived from Bragg and Scherrer's equations, in order to quantify the extent of interaction of organoclay with the different media and also partitioning of clay within the blend components. By that means, it was indicated that WAXS technique owns a great potential to predict organoclay morphology within the blend nanocomposites. Using the weighted relaxation spectrum of blends and implementation of Palierne emulsion model the interfacial tension of PLA/PP counterpart blends was determined. Despite the weak interaction of organoclay with the PP and also the low content of PLA in the PP-rich blend, the 25/75 PLA/PP blend represented substantial enhancement in elasticity as a result of organoclay loading. This behavior was attributed to the created network-like structure of organoclay platelets around the dispersed particles of PLA. Moreover, the applicability of fractional Zener model, to get the best fit to the melt rheological material functions using the genetic algorithm approach, and dependency of the fitting parameter of that model to the blend ratio and organoclay content, were evaluated.

The Distribution of Nanoclay Particles at the Interface and Their Influence on the Microstructure Development and Rheological Properties of Reactively Processed Biodegradable Polylactide/Poly(butylene succinate) Blend Nanocomposites.

The present work investigates the distribution of nanoclay particles at the interface and their influence on the microstructure development and non-linear rheological properties of reactively processed biodegradable polylactide/poly(butylene succinate) blend nanocomposites. Two types of organoclays, one is more hydrophilic (Cloisite®30B (C30B)) and another one is more hydrophobic (BetsopaTM (BET)), were used at different concentrations. Surface and transmission electron microscopies were respectively used to study the blend morphology evolution and for probing the dispersion and distribution of nanoclay platelets within the blend matrix and at the interface. The results suggested that both organoclays tended to localize at the interface between the blend’s two phases and encapsulate the dispersed poly(butylene succinate) phase, thereby suppressing coalescence. Using small angle X-ray scattering the probability of finding neighboring nanoclay particles in the blend matrix was calculated using the Generalized Indirect Fourier Transformation technique. Fourier Transform-rheology was utilized for quantifying nonlinear rheological responses and for correlating the extent of dispersion as well as the blend morphological evolution, for different organoclay loadings. The rheological responses were in good agreement with the X-ray scattering and electron microscopic results. It was revealed that C30B nanoparticles were more efficient in stabilizing the morphologies by evenly distributing at the interface. Nonlinear coefficient from FT-rheology was found to be more pronounced in case of blends filled with C30B, indicating better dispersion of C30B compare with BET which was in agreement with the SAXS results.

Effect of dendrimer modified montmorillonite on structure and properties of EPDM nanocomposites

The purpose of this work was to study the effect of dendrimer modified clay minerals on the structure and properties of ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) nanocomposites.Flame-retardant and dendrimer modified organic montmorillonite (FR-DOMt) was successfully prepared by Na+-montmorillonite, tetrahydroxymethyl phosphonium chloride (THPC), N, N-dihydroxyl-3-aminomethyl propionate, and boric acid. This dendritic type of organoclay (OC) was used in preparation of EPDM/FR-DOMt nanocomposites. The properties of these nanocomposites were studied. The dispersion status of the layered silicates in EPDM was revealed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD and TEM results showed that FR-DOMt was exfoliated in the EPDM matrix when 10 phr of FR-DOMt was incorporated. The mechanical behavior, thermal stability, and flame retardance of the samples were examined. The experimental data demonstrated that the EPDM hybrids owned an improved tensile strength and elongation at break. In addition, the nanocomposites exhibited higher thermal stability and flame retardance than that of unfilled EPDM matrix.

Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid) and Propylene-Ethylene Copolymer Blends: Effect of Organoclay Types

The effects of four types of organoclay on morphology and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/propylene-ethylene copolymer (PEC) blends were investigated. The ratio of PLA and PEC was 80/20 by weight and the organoclay content was 5 phr. The morphology analysis showed that the addition of all oganocaly types could improve the miscibility of PLA and PEC blends due to the decreased of the domain sizes of PEC dispersed phase in the polymer matrix. The tensile properties showed Young’s modulus of the PLA/PEC blends was improved after adding clay treated surface with 25-30 wt% trimethyl stearyl ammonium.

Rapid preparation of epoxy acrylate-clay nanocomposite: Simultaneous acrylation/nanoclay dispersion under ultrasonication

Abstract The main theme of the present study was to prepare the epoxy acrylate-clay nanocomposite through the simultaneously acrylation reaction of epoxy resin and dispersion of clay nanoparticles under ultrasonic irradiation. The acrylation of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin was carried out through the reaction with acrylic acid in the presence of different nanoclays. In addition to UV-curing agents, two different types of commercial organoclays namely, Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B were used in nanocomposite films. The degree of epoxy acrylation and the UV-curing process of nanocomposite films were monitored by the corresponding absorption bands in FTIR spectroscopy. The degree of epoxy acrylation reached up to 85% for 30 min ultrasonication with a rather good degree of dispersion for both organoclays as evidenced in XRD patterns and SEM and TEM micrographs. The comparative study of different UV-cured nanocomposites films were carried out by means of different thermal and mechanical test such as DSC, TGA, DMTA and the surface hardness. The significant improvements in glass transition temperature and the thermal stability of different nanocomposites were attributed mainly to effective interactions between clay platelets and epoxy acrylate chains which result in proper dispersion of clay platelets.