| Abstract: | Unsaturated polyester (UP)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite was prepared by using hydroxypropylacrylate (HPA) as a reactive diluent instead of conventional styrene monomer and the effect of polarity of reactive diluent on properties of nanocomposite was investigated. X‐ray and mechanical test data indicated that mixing for an extended period of time is essential to enhance the physical properties of nanocomposites in the UP/Cloisite 6A system. This was attributed to the high polarity of HPA that may disturb the preintercalation of UP resin into the galleries of MMT. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 238–242, 2004 |
