Comparisons of the Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites with Different Organoclays

Abstract

Epoxy nanocomposites containing two different organoclays were synthesized, and their thermal properties, morphology, oxygen permeability, and optical transparency were compared. STN synthesized from hectorite, and Cloisite 30B obtained from montmorillonite, were used for producing epoxy hybrids. Using a solution intercalation method, hybrid films were obtained from blended solutions of epoxy and organoclays, with the filler content varying from 3 to 10 wt%. The differences in the properties of the epoxy hybrid films were then analyzed with respect to filler content. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that both organoclays were homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix, although some organoclay aggregates formed as well. The glass transition temperature and the oxygen barrier property of the hybrid films increased with increasing organoclay content. In contrast, the initial decomposition temperature and optical transparency of the films decreased continuously with increasing organoclay content. In addition, for a constant film thickness, the oxygen permeations of the films decreased continuously with increasing number of layers in the laminated hybrid film containing 10 wt% organoclays.