Influence of stoichiometry on physical properties of clay epoxy nanocomposites

Rhoney, I. and Pethrick, R.A. (2008) Influence of stoichiometry on physical properties of clay epoxy nanocomposites. Journal of the Balkan Tribological Association, 14 (4). pp. 520-534. ISSN 1310-4772

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Abstract

The reinforcement of epoxy resins by the dispersion of exfoliated clay platelets is discussed. The extent and nature of the reinforcement is dependent on the nature of the interaction of the resin with the clay surface. It is shown that varying the ratio of epoxy to hardener, as well as the chemical structure both of the epoxy resin and the hardener have a significant effect on whether or not reinforcement is observed. The creation of intercalated structures at high clay loadings does not significantly influence the extent of enhancement in those cases where there is a strong connectivity between the resin and the clay. However, in some cases the chemical structure of the resin appears to inhibit significant transfer of stress between the resin and the clay and virtually no enhancement in the physical Properties is observed.