Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Clay Nanocomposites

Achievement of exfoliated structure of polymer/ Clay nanocomposites is of particular interest for the improvement of mechanical properties. In this work, the morphology and mechanical properties of epoxy/ clay nanocomposites has been investigated. Diglycidyl ether of bis-phenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin (EPON828) and Jeffamine D400 curing agent was used. To obtain perfect dispersion, nanoclay (Cloisite 30B) was sonicated in acetone. The mixture was then mixed with polymer. Afterwards, the curing process was performed by addition of curing agent and degassing. Disappearing of peaks in X-Ray diffraction patterns of nanocomposites containing less than 5wt% nanoclay, is a good evidence of perfect dispersion of layered silicates in matrix, i.e. formation of exfoliated morphology. Based on tensile test results, it is deduced that as the amount of nanoclay increases, the elastic modulus and elongation at break of the nanocomposites containing 1wt% and 5wt% nanoclay increases by 12% and 31%, respectively. Therefore, obtaining perfect dispersion of layered silicates in epoxy matrix and exfoliated morphology, results in better mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.