Synthesis and characterization of allyl ester resin-layered silicate nanocomposite

Abstract

Polymer-clay nanocomposite containing the low amounts of clay shows improved physical, mechanical properties. In this study, allyl ester prepolymer was synthesised by reactions of the diallyl terephthalate monomers and the 1,3-butanediol monomers. Nanocomposites of allyl ester prepolymer and the two kinds of the organically layered silicate were prepared by using the intercalation method as well as the in-situ polymerization method using. By varying the amount of clay content, curing conditions, and feeding conditions, the nanocomposite was studied using X-ray diffraction. From XRD results, allyl ester-Cloisite 30 B nanocomposite made by the in-situ polymerization method shows better exfoliation behavior compared with the intercalation method. It can be said that the transesterification reaction between functional groups (-OH) of intercalant and monomers results in the increased gallery distance. Also mechanical and thermal properties indicate that the dispersity of clay is an important factor for improving physical properties of the nanocomposite.