Preparation and Characterization of Epoxy/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

The epoxy/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared through intercalation using 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane(DDM) as hardener.The montmorillonite used was modified by ionic exchange(reaction).The optimum conditions for preparing the nanocomposites were determined according to the swelling degree change of samples in acetone.The dispersion of the organic montmorillonite(OMMT) in the matrix was characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD).The oxygen permeability of the nanocomposites was measured.Furthermore,effect of the OMMT content on dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was studied.The results show that the OMMT nano-layers can be completely exfoliated and disperse homogenously in the matrix when the OMMT content is low.The nanocomposite exhibits(excellent) barrier properties against oxygen after addition of OMMT into the epoxy.The glass transition(temperatures) and storage modulus of the nanocomposites are obviously increased after addition of OMMT.