Performance of epoxy-nanocomposite under corrosive environment

Abstract

Abstract. Nanocomposite materials consisting of polymeric matrix materials and natural or synthetic layered minerals like clay are currently an expanding field of study because these new materials often exhibit a wide range of improved properties over their unmodified starting polymers. Epoxy/organoclay nanocomposites have been prepared by intercalating epoxy into the organoclay via direct mixing process. The clay exfoliation was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Water diffusion and sulfuric acid corrosion resistance of epoxy-based nanocomposites were evaluated. Diffusion was studied through epoxy samples containing up to 6 phr (parts per hundred resin) of an organically treated montmorillonite. The diffusion of the environmental solution was measured by noting the increase in weight of the samples as a function of immersion time in these solutions at 80°C. The effect of the degree of exfoliation of the organoclay on water barrier and corrosion resistance was specifically studied. The data have been compared to those obtained from the neat epoxy resin to evaluate the diffusion properties of the nanocomposites. The flexural strength of the epoxy/organoclay nanocomposites samples made was examined to compare their mechanical performance under corrosive conditions as a function of immersion time and temperature. It was found, that the organoclay was mainly intercalated with some exfoliation and that addition of the organoclay yields better flexural strength retention under immersion into sulfuric acid.

Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of nano-filler reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

“…A number of studies have reported reduction in flexural strength of epoxy based nanocomposites due to water absorption. For instance, Abacha et al [31] reported a decrease in flexural strength and modulus of clay/epoxy nanocomposites due to the water absorption. Buehler and Seferis [32] also reported a drop in flexural strength values of carbon fibre/epoxy and glass fibre/epoxy composites as a result of moisture absorption.…”

Water Absorption Behavior, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Vinyl Ester Matrix Nanocomposites Based on Layered Silicate

“…In addition, as has been discussed previously in the water absorption section, the tortuous path that was established by the layered silicate reduced the entrance of the water molecules inside the matrix [96][97][98] . There have been many studies that revealed a reduction of mechanical properties of nanocomposites due to the up-take of the water [57,99,100] .…”

An investigation of TiO2nanoparticles effect on morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of epoxy/silica composites

“…These materials exhibit significant improvement of properties compared to the neat polymers due to the existence of nano-fillers. Epoxy resins have been utilized for many years in numerous applications such as surface coatings, adhesives, electrical engineering, high voltage electrical insulation material, and painting materials due to their unique properties including good chemical resistance, thermal stability, high strength, low shrinkage on curing, good adhesion, and excellent dielectric properties [1][2][3]. Despite the mentioned advantages, application of epoxy resin is limited due to its low thermal conductivity, high coefficient of linear expansion, high cross linking, and poor resistance to crack propagation [4][5][6][7][8][9][10].…”