The preparation and physical properties of UP/montmorillonite nanocomposite by UV radiation curing

This article describes the preparation and properties of unsaturated polyester (UP)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite by UV radiation. Benzildimethylketal and 1‐hydroxy cyclohexyl phenyl ketone (HCPK) as a photoinitiator in UP were photolyzed under nitrogen condition. Analysis of X‐ray diffraction patterns of the composites shows that the interlayer spacing of MMT is substantially increased. The type and amount of photoinitiator affects the level of improvement in mechanical properties, and our results suggest that HCPK is a more efficient photoinitiator of UP curing reaction. The interaction between photoinitiators and MMT should be considered to acquire the reinforcement effect of the dispersed MMT nanolayers. The properties of nanocomposite are dependent upon the amount of MMT. The effect of MMT concentration on thermal and dielectric properties is also investigated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3609–3615, 2006     

Preparation of nanocomposite by adding of Tunisian nanoclay in unsaturated polyester matrix: mechanical and thermal study

Unsaturated Polyester (UP) resin is widely used for many applications such as reinforced plastic (FRP) and polymer composites. However, these materials suffer from their low mechanical and thermal properties. For enhancing their performance, researchers have used Tunisian montmorillonite (MMT) for manufacturing of unsaturated polyester-montmorillonite (UP-MMT) nanocomposite synthesized by dispersing the UP resin into the silicate layers of MMT. The MMT has been modified ammonium quaternary as organic cation (OMMT). Test results, supported by mechanical testing, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (DSC and TGA) and transmission electron microscopy, indicated that the mechanical properties and the thermal stability of unsaturated polyester with OMMT nanocomposite (UP/OMMT) are better than those of pure UP. The degradation temperature increased by 78 °C with the addition of organic modification, and SEM micrographs show good dispersion of modified montmorillonite in the polymer matrix. Tensile strength is increased by 81 % for the UP/OMMT nanocomposite.     

Nanocomposites based on montmorillonite and unsaturated polyester

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, G_Q, of the nanocomposite was doubled, 138 J/m² as compared with 70 J/m² for the pure UP.     

Application of response surface methodology for modeling of reactive dye removal from solution using starch‐montmorillonite/polyaniline nanocomposite

In this study, starch‐montmorillonite/polyaniline (St‐MMT/PANI) nanocomposite was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of St‐MMT nanocomposite dispersion. The prepared ternary nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. Adsorption properties of the nanocomposite were investigated for removal of reactive blue (RB 194) as a model reactive dye from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology was employed for the modeling of adsorption capacity of the nanocomposite. A second‐order empirical relationship between adsorption capacity and independent variables (initial dye concentration, amount of the nanocomposite, and pH of the solution) was obtained. Pareto analysis for identification of the factors effect on the system revealed that initial dye concentration was the most effective parameter. The adsorption capacity value of reactive dye on St‐MMT/PANI nanocomposite was 91.74 mg g^?1. Further investigations indicated that the adsorption experimental data were well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1595–1607, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of organophilic clay and preparation methods on EVA/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/montmorillonite MMT nanocomposites have been prepared by using different methods: one is from the organophilic montmorillonite (OMT) and the other is from the pristine MMT and reactive compatibilizer hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (C16). In this study, different kneaders were used (twin‐screw extruder and twin‐roll mill) to prepare nanocomposites. The nanocomposite structures are evidenced by the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐resolution electronic microscope (HREM). The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the tensile tests were carried out with a Universal testing machine DCS‐5000. It is shown that different methods and organophilic montmorillonite have influence on EVA/MMT nanocomposites.© 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 2416–2421, 2004     

Blended Epoxy/Polyester Polymer Nanocomposites: Effect of “Nano” on Mechanical Properties

The inter-cross-linked networks of unsaturated polyester (UP) toughened epoxy blends were developed. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay was dispersed into the same system to prepare blended epoxy/UP/clay nanocomposites in different weight ratios viz. 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%. Mechanical properties like tensile strength (TS), impact strength (IS) and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) were characterized for the above nanocomposites. Blended nanocomposites were fabricated by high shear mechanical mixing followed by ultra-sonication process to get homogeneous mixing under the aid of in situ polymerization. Mechanical properties were studied as per ASTM standards. Data obtained from mechanical property studies indicated that the introduction of UP into epoxy resin improved the impact strength to an appreciable extent. Impact strength (IS) and tensile strength (TS) were significantly improved and optimized at 3 wt. % clay content when compared with neat blend (0 wt. % clay) composites. The homogeneous morphologies of the UP toughened epoxy and epoxy/UP/clay nanocomposite systems were ascertained using scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies.     

Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of polyamide 1010/montmorillonite nanocomposite

The non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of pure polyamide 1010 (PA1010) and PA1010/montmorillonite nanocomposite (PA1010/MMT) was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various cooling rates. The Avrami analysis modified by Jeziorny and a new method developed by Mo can describe the non‐isothermal crystallization process of PA1010 and PA1010/MMT nanocomposite very well. The difference in the value of exponent n between PA1010 and PA1010/MMT nanocomposite suggests that the nano‐size montmorillonite layers act as nucleation agents of PA1010. The values of half‐time of crystallization and crystallization rate coefficient (CRC) show that the crystallization rate of PA1010/MMT nanocomposite is faster than that of PA1010 at a given cooling rate. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:861–867, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Effects of compatibilizer on the layered silicate/ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposite

Dispersion behavior of monmorillonite (MMT) is investigated in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/MMT nanocomposite with various vinyl acetate content. Maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polyethylenes with various MAH contents are used as a compatibilizer to enhance the dispersion of MMT. DMA and XRD studies indicate that an intercalated/exfoliated structure is obtained and vinyl acetate content and the concentration of PEMA play a critical role in EVA/MMT nanocomposite. Higher vinyl acetate content and concentration of grafted maleic anhydride result in better dispersion of MMT. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1057–1061, 2004     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(propylene)/montmorillonite nanocomposites by simultaneous grafting‐intercalation

A novel process for the preparation of poly(propylene)/montmorillonite (PP/MMT) nanocomposites was developed via simultaneous solution grafting‐intercalation in the presence of a reactive ammonium cation that can be grafted onto poly(propylene). Partially introducing this reactive cation into long alkyl ammonium modified MMT interlayers can transfer a conventional microcomposite into intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites, which was evidenced by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The PP chains were tethered onto the clay surface through the bridge of the reactive ammonium cations, which can be characterized by FTIR. The bridged chemical bonding also results in a good interface adhesion between PP and MMT, as confirmed by SEM investigation. The enhanced thermal properties of PP/MMT nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1018–1023, 2004     

Effect of the intercalation agent content of montmorillonite on the swelling behavior and drug release behavior of nanocomposite hydrogels

A series of novel dual functional nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared from N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid (AA) that is neutralized 50 mol % by sodium hydroxide (SA50), and montmorillonite (MMT). MMT was intercalated with three different contents of intercalation agent of (3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride (TMAACl). Investigation of the effect of intercalated MMT with three contents of intercalation agent (TMAACl) in the present nanocomposite hydrogels on the swelling and drug release behaviors is the main purpose in this study. The microstructure was identified by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the swelling ratio for the present nanocomposite hydrogels decreased with an increase in the content of the intercalation agent. The gel strength of the present gels did not change obviously with an increase in the content of intercalation agent. XRD results indicated that exfoliation of MMT was achieved in the dry and swollen gel state. Finally, the drug release behaviors for these gels were accessed also. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 74–82, 2004     

Property enhancement in unsaturated polyester nanocomposites by using a reactive intercalant for clay modification

Polymeric nanocomposites were synthesized from unsaturated polyester (UPE) matrix and montmorillonite (MMT) clay using an in situ free radical polymerization reaction. Organophilic MMT was obtained using a quaternary salt of coco amine as intercalant having a styryl group making it a reactive intercalant. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized via X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of increased nanofiller loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. All the nanocomposites were found to have improved thermal and mechanical properties as compared with neat UPE matrix, resulting from the contribution of nanolayer connected intercalant‐to‐crosslinker which allows a crosslinking reaction. It was found that the partially exfoliated nanocomposite structure with an exfoliation dominant morphology was achieved when the MMT loading was 1 wt %. This nanocomposite exhibited the highest thermal stability, the best dynamic mechanical performance and the highest crosslinking density, most probably due to more homogeneous dispersion and optimum amount of styrene monomer molecules inside and outside the MMT layers at 1 wt % loading. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

PUI/蒙脱土纳米复合材料的制备及其性能研究

考察了聚氨酯-异氰脲酸酯(PUI)的基础配方,采用原位聚合方法制备了PUI/蒙脱土(MMT)纳米复合材料,并研究了纳米蒙脱土(Nano-MMT)用量对复合材料性能的影响。结果表明:以n(NCO):n(OH)=10:1、DMP-30用量为2.5%的PUI配方为基础制备的PUI/MMT纳米复合材料的力学性能和热稳定性都得到显著提高,当Nano-MMT用量为3%时,复合材料的综合性能最优。     

Effect of the incorporation of montmorillonite-layered double hydroxide nanoclays on the corrosion protection of epoxy coatings

A series of layered double hydroxide (LDH)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite coating, LDH nanocomposite coating, and MMT nanocomposite coating were successfully prepared. The nanocomposite materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To understand the effect of MMT and LDH on the corrosion inhibition performance of epoxy resin coatings immersed in 3.5 wt% saline solution at 90°C, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and an autoclave test were performed on epoxy resin; epoxy resin blended with LDH, MMT, and LDH + MMT (LM) coatings painted on Q345 steel. The metal/coating interfaces were observed by SEM and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Results showed that addition of LDH and MMT improved the protection properties of the epoxy resin coatings. The corrosion protection of the LM nanocomposite coating was superior to that of the other coatings. This finding can be attributed to the ionic selectivity and barrier effect of MMT and LDH nanoclay platelets dispersed within the composite coatings.     

Pre‐dispersing of montmorillonite nanofiller: Impact on morphology and performance of melt compounded ethyl vinyl acetate nanocomposites

Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers are potential materials for biomedical applications due to their exceptional mechanical properties and biocompatibility. As new medical device designs continue to reduce in size, new materials are required that exhibit improved strength and toughness. In this research, EVA nanocomposites containing synthetic montmorillonite (MMT) are being investigated as new biomedical materials with similar flexibility, biocompatibility, and biostability to neat EVA, but with far superior tensile strength and toughness. We show that the pre‐dispersing of the organo‐MMT prior to melt compounding with the EVA matrix can facilitate nanofiller exfoliation and dispersion in the EVA, thereby enabling significant improvement of EVA nanocomposite performance when high organo‐MMT loading (5 wt %) was added. It was observed that the polarity of pre‐dispersing medium influenced the nanofiller's surfactant organization and distribution, organo‐MMT exfoliation, and dispersion in the EVA, and also interphases of the host copolymer. Consequently, changes in morphology have brought noticeable effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of the EVA. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43204.     

Preparation and characterization of wood/styrene‐acrylonitrile copolymer/MMT nanocomposite

Wood polymer nanocomposite (WPNC) was prepared by impregnating Simul (Salmalia malabarica) wood with styrene‐acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), glycidyl methacrylate(GMA), and a reactive polymerizable surfactant modified montmorillonite (MMT). The physical and mechanical properties of WPNC were investigated by using XRD, tensile tester, SEM, and FTIR. The polymer loading, dimensional stability, water uptake, mechanical property, and thermal stability were found to improve due to inclusion of MMT. SEM micrographs showed the presence of polymer and MMT into cell wall and cell lumen. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of MMT and SAN in WPNC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

丙烯酸酯类聚合物/蒙脱土纳米复合材料的研究

用烷基胺盐对钠基蒙脱土(MMT)进行有机处理,采用插层聚合法制备了聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)／MMT及聚(甲基丙烯酸甲酯／丙烯酸丁酯)[P(MMA／BA)]／MMT纳米复合材料,探讨了MMT含量、MMA／BA配比对复合材料性能的影响。结果表明,MMT可提高复合材料的冲击强度和耐热性,MMT含量为2％时复合材料的综合性能最佳,BA可明显提高复合材料的冲击强度,MMA／BA配比为10／1时复合材料的综合性能较好。     

High‐temperature‐resistant polyimide/montmorillonite nanocomposite foams by solid blending

A series of high‐temperature‐resistant polyimide/montmorillonite (PI/MMT) nanocomposite foams were prepared by solid blending method. The dispersion of MMT and effects of MMT content on the properties of the PI/MMT nanocomposite foams were investigated. Results indicated that MMT could be exfoliated effectively and dispersed uniformly in the PI matrix by the solid blending method. The introduction of MMT could considerably increase the reduced compressive strength, thermal resistance, and decrease the dielectric constant of the PI/MMT nanocomposite foams. The reduced compressive strength of nanocomposite foams showed a maximum value at the MMT content of 5 wt%, which was 197% higher than that of pure PI foams. It was worth noting that a significant increase in glass‐transition temperature (T _g) could be achieved with the increase of MMT content, and the maximum T _g was as high as 436°C at the MMT content of 7 wt%. This study may provide a useful method to prepare PI/MMT nanocomposite foams with improved properties for targeted high‐temperature applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. ©2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A New Type of Dispersant [Sodium Salt of Styrene–Methacrylic Acid Copolymer (SSMA)/Montmorillonite (MMT) Nanocomposite] for Pesticide Water Dispersible Granules

A new type of dispersant [sodium salt of styrene–methacrylic acid copolymer (SSMA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite] with different content of the MMT was synthesized through in situ solution free radical copolymerization. X‐ray diffraction measurements and electron microscopy observations prove that SSMA molecules can enter the interlayer space of MMT and form an intercalated structure. There are both fully intercalated and partly intercalated structures in the nanocomposites, which are related to the loading content of MMT. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy images indicate that the exfoliation degree of MMT in the nanocomposites decrease with increasing MMT content. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows that there are hydrogen‐bonding interactions between carboxyl groups of SSMA and hydroxyl groups of MMT. Atrazine water dispersible granules were prepared by using SSMA/MMT nanocomposite as dispersant and their suspensibility in aqueous solution was determined to evaluate the dispersion properties of the nanocomposite. The results show that the addition of MMT can not only increase the steric effect of the SSMA to improve its dispersion properties, but also reduce the production cost of SSMA. The optimum loading content of MMT is 10 wt%.     

Study on the dynamic self‐organization of montmorillonite in two phases

Polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) polymer alloy/montmorillonite (MMT) and nylon 6 (PA6)/ABS polymer alloy/MMT nanocomposites were prepared using the direct melt intercalation technique. Their structures were characterized by XRD and TEM. The results of TEM show that the silicate layers dispersed differently in two phases. In the PC/ABS/MMT nanocomposite, the silicate layers were self‐organized in the ABS phase, whereas in the PA6/ABS/MMT nanocomposite, the silicate layers were dispersed in both phases but mainly in the PA6 phase. Furthermore, the PC/MMT nanocomposite was melt‐mixed with pure ABS, and the changed morphology of the hybrid with the change of melt‐mixing time was characterized by XRD and TEM, to study the dynamic self‐assembly of clay layers in two phases. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1457–1462, 2004     

Effect of silane functionalization of montmorillonite on epoxy/montmorillonite nanocomposite

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of various montmorillonite (MMT)/epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane functionalized MMT was compared with commercial pristine MMT and ammonium salt substituted MMT. Qualitative evidence of silane functionalization was confirmed by FT-IR. XRD and TEM were used to characterize the degree of intercalation of MMT in epoxy nanocomposite. Tensile stress and elongation of MMT/epoxy nanocomposite were improved significantly by the silane functionalization of MMT. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that silane functionalization of MMT resulted in active interactions between MMT and epoxy.