Low profile unsaturated polyester resin–clay nanocomposite properties

Abstract

Unsaturated polyester (UP)/organically modified clay (OMC) nanocomposites were prepared by multistep simultaneous mixing of UP oligomer chain, styrene (St) monomer, and OMC. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy data were in support of the formation of a partially intercalated nanocomposite. The glass transition temperatures of the nanocomposites revealed that the crosslinking reaction occurred homogeneously inside and outside of the OMC galleries. Adding 3 wt% OMC improved the flextural and storage modulus of UP by 31.5% and 30.2%, respectively. The Izod impact strength of UP was also improved by 51.7% at 1 wt% of OMC loading. Similar results were obtained for low‐profile UP/St/OMC nanocomposites. Resin shrinkage data measured by inhouse constructed apparatus showed that, at an OMC content of 3 wt%, the UP/St/OMC/low profile additive (LPA) system cannot provide superior volume shrinkage control. But, it is found that the use of nanoscale reinforcement in the UP systems is able to restore flextural and storage moduli loss when using LPAs. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers

Kinetic modeling of nanoclay‐reinforced unsaturated polyester resin

“…The diluted suspensions were subjected to high shear mixing at velocity of 5000 rpm using a homogenizer, equipped with a powerful dispersing aggregate, at 55°C for 12 h. A radial flow stirrer was installed next to the dispersing aggregate in order to make the suspension homogeneous and to prevent formation of vortexes near to the dispersing aggregate. More information on this mixing method can be found elsewhere [10].…”

“…Recently, special attention has been paid to the properties of nanocomposites. These properties include physical and mechanical properties [1, 2], thermal and electrical properties [3, 4], flame retardancy [5–7], gas barrier properties [8, 9], and shrinkage control behavior [10–12].…”

Cure kinetic study of organoclay‐unsaturated polyester resin nanocomposites by using advanced isoconversional approach

“…To enhance interfacial interaction between nanoclay and organic polymer, it is necessary that the surface of clay be modified with appropriate organic compounds. Recently, special attention has been paid to the properties of the nanocomposites including physical and mechanical properties [1,2], thermal and electrical properties [3,4], flame retardancy [5][6][7], gas barrier properties [8,9], and shrinkage control behavior [10][11][12].…”

Effect of morphology on fracture toughness of unsaturated polyester-based hybrid nanocomposites

“…In the case of unsaturated polyester the effect of combinations of clay and thermoplastics on volume shrinkage has been investigated [18,19] but to our knowledge, there are no studies on the toughness of such ternary systems.…”