Some factors influencing exfoliation and physical property enhancement in nanoclay epoxy resins based on diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A and F

Ingram, S.E. and Rhoney, I. and Liggat, J.J. and Hudson, N.E. and Pethrick, R.A. (2007) Some factors influencing exfoliation and physical property enhancement in nanoclay epoxy resins based on diglycidyl ethers of bisphenol A and F. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 106 (1). pp. 5-19. ISSN 0021-8995 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/app.25474)

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Abstract

An investigation of the factors influencing the degree of exfoliation of an organically modified clay in a series of epoxy resins is reported. The use of sonication, choice of curing agent, effect of the moisture content of the clay, and the cure temperature were examined. The dispersion was characterized using a combination of rheological measurements, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Rheological analysis of the clay dispersion in the epoxy monomer indicated that at high clay loads Herschel-Bulkley type behavior is followed. Higher cure temperatures and higher levels of clay moisture were found to influence the extent of exfoliation. Improvements in physical properties were observed through the addition of nanocomposites. The DGEBA/DDM and DEGEBA/DDS exhibited 2 and 4°C increase, respectively, in Tg per wt % of added clay. DGEBF showed virtually no enhancement.