Preparation and properties of epoxy nanocomposites. Part 2: The effect of dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation of organoclay on mechanical properties

Abstract The effect of the dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation of organoclay on the mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites was studied. The epoxy resin was EPON828 and the hardener was Jeffamine D‐230. The organoclay Cloisite 30B was used. Nanocomposites were prepared by different mixing devices that can generate different shear forces, such as a mechanical stirrer, a microfluidizer, and a homogenizer. The results indicate that the modulus increases almost linearly with the clay loading and also is improved with the quality of microdispersion, although the latter plays a less important role. On the other hand, only good dispersion can improve the strength, while poor dispersion results in loss of strength. The strength levels off above 4 wt% organoclay loading. It can be concluded that finer and more uniform dispersion increases the clay surface area available for interaction with the matrix and reduces stress concentration in the large aggregates that initiate the failure under stress. It is also observed that the presence of C30B does not significantly affect the glass transition ( T g ) of the epoxy systems regardless of the level of clay dispersion and clay loading. Dynamic mechanic analysis (DMA) shows the positive effect of dispersion and intercalation/exfoliation on the storage modulus of epoxy nanocomposites (ENCs). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers