Elastomeric Properties in Thermosetting Polymer Induced by Nanoclay Addition

Abstract:

This study focused on the effect of filler distribution and morphology on the observed mechanical behavior of nanocomposites under compressive loading. Polymer-clay nanocomposites (PCN) at various filler loadings were prepared via solution intercalation method. Organomodified montmorillonite (MMT) fillers were dispersed into nanometer length scales using high frequency ultrasonicator. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) suggested polymer intercalation with a 44-52% increase in the d-spacing of MMT. Dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that the heat evolved during the curing process was relatively lower in PCN compared to the neat resin. This decrease in the magnitude of the heat of reaction (H_R) was attributed to nanoclay addition. Since H_R for a thermoset was primarily due to network formation, it was deduced that the crosslink density of neat resin is higher than that of PCN. Consequently, with fewer points of restriction in the polymer network, PCN has a higher propensity of sustaining larger elastic strain under low loadings. This behavior is similar to an elastomer despite the thermoset nature of the PCN.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 894)
• Pages: 99-103
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/MSF.894.99
• Online since: March 2017
• Authors: Emee Grace T. Suarnaba, Ivy Ann C. Razonado, Lawrence V. Madriaga, Leslie Joy L. Diaz
• Keywords: Compressive Properties, Organomodified Montmorillonite, Polymer-Clay Nanocomposite, Solution Intercalation

References

[1] X. Kornmann, L.A. Berglund and J. Sterte, Nanocomposites based on montmorillonite and unsaturated polyester, Polymer Engineering and Science, (1998).

DOI: 10.1002/pen.10305

[2] S.C. Tjong. Structural and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites, Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 53, pp.173-197, (2006).

[3] P. Pavlidoua, and C.D. Papaspyyrides. Review on polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites, Progress in Polymer Science, Vol. 33, pp.1119-1198 (2008).

DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2008.07.008

[4] M. Haq, R. Burgueno, A.K. Mohanty, and M. Misra, Processing techniques for bio-based unsaturated polyester/clay nanocomposites: tensile properties, efficiency and limits, Composites: Part A. Vol 20, pp.394-403, (2009).

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2009.01.003

[5] H. Miyagawa, and L.T. Drzal, J. Adhesion Sci. Technol., Vol. 18 p.1571, (2004).

[6] P.J. Schubel, M.S. Johnson, N.A. Warrior, and C.D. Rudd. Characterisation of thermoset laminates for cosmetic and automotive applications: part III – shrinkage control via nanoscale reinforcement, Composites: Part A, Vol. 37, pp.1757-1772, (2007).

DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2005.09.014

[7] D.J. Suh, Y.T. Lim, and O.O. Park. The property and formation mechanism of unsaturated polyester-layered silicate nanocomposite depending on the fabrication methods, Polymer, Vol. 41, pp.8557-8563, (2000).

DOI: 10.1016/s0032-3861(00)00216-0

[8] A.F. Yee et al., Macromolecules, Vol. 38, p.788, (2005).