Characterization of Nanoclay-Modified Epoxy Polymers Using X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Abstract:

Clay-nanoplatelets have emerged among the other nanomaterials for over the past few years due to their good thermal stability and mechanical properties. This paper presents the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of nanoclay filled epoxy nanocomposites. In this study XRD was used to measure the dispersion state of clay particles in epoxy. A series of nanocomposites with 1 wt%, 3 wt% and 5 wt% nanoclay was fabricated using mechanical stirring and three roll mill methods. The overlaid of XRD patterns of pure Epikote 828 polymer, Cycom 977-20 polymer and polymer-nanoclay nanocomposites were produced. It was found that, there were no peak of diffraction pattern appeared for pure Epikote 828 and Cycom 977-20. Based on XRD results, the polymer is able to intercalate between the clay layers because the interlayer spacing between the clay platelets increased significantly. In addition, the results showed that the dispersion of clay in epoxy was more uniform using three-roll mill method compared to mechanical stirring method.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 699)
• Pages: 175-180
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.699.175
• Online since: November 2014
• Authors: Widia Wahyuni Amir*, Aidah Jumahat, Anizah Kalam
• Keywords: Epoxy Resin, Nanoclay, Nanocomposite, Polymer, XRD Analysis

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