Nanocomposites based on montmorillonite and unsaturated polyester

Abstract

The concept of nanoscale reinforcement provides opportunity for synthesis of new polymer materials with unique properties. Montmorilonite (MMT) was derived from bentonite, purified, activated by sodium ions and mixed with reacting unsaturated polyester (UP). X‐ray and transmission electron microscopy data were in support of the formation of a partially delaminated nanocomposite material. At an MMT content of only 1.5 vol%, the fracture energy, GQ, of the nanocomposite was doubled, 138 J/m2 as compared with 70 J/m2 for the pure UP.

Unsaturated Polyesters / Layered Silicate Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Characterization

“…Also, the cross-link density might be lower with a higher Na-EB content, leading to a lower tensile strength i.e. indicating that the crosslinking density is inversely proportional to the degree of exfoliation [34]. The increase in tensile strength associated with increases in EB-ODA content is demonstrated in Table 1.…”

Properties of Nanofillers in Polymer

“…It is then possible to insert organic cations, such as silanes [Fu & Qutubuddin (2004)], ammonium bromides [Kornmann et al (1998)] or ammonium chlorides such as vinylbenzyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (VOAC) or vinylbenzyldodecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (VDAC) [Chen et al (2007a)]. These ions reduce the surface energy of clay, making it more organophilic, thus facilitating access between the layers of monomers and polymers with different polarities.…”

“…MMT is extracted from the bentonite by a process of sedimentation in water [Kornmann et al (1998)], and then activated by sodium ions (Na + ) to improve clays swelling. It is then possible to insert organic cations, such as silanes [Fu & Qutubuddin (2004)], ammonium bromides [Kornmann et al (1998)] or ammonium chlorides such as vinylbenzyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (VOAC) or vinylbenzyldodecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (VDAC) [Chen et al (2007a)].…”

Mechanical Properties of Unsaturated Polyester / Montmorillonite Composites

“…Kornmann, Linberg and Berlung [7] synthesized epoxy clay nanocomposites and analysed the nature of the curing agent on structure. Kornmann, Berglund and Giannelis [8] studied nanocomposites based on montmorillonite modified with silane coupling agent and unsaturated polyester. In the present study, the type and content of the montmorillonite (MMT) on mechanical and thermal properties are investigated using an unsaturated polyester (UP) matrix.…”