Epoxy-clay nanocomposites derived from renewable soybean oils and industrially available, organically modified, montmorillonite clay Cloisite� 30B were prepared.Low viscosity, epoxidized glycidyl esters of soybean oil (EGS) were used pure and blended with a commercial, bisphenol A-based epoxy resin (DGEBA). The material 4-methyl-1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride (MHHPA) was used as a comonomer with 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) as catalyst. The probable miscibility of the monomers and clay was assessed by solubility parameters. Three types of dispersion technique, mechanical stirring, high speed shearing, and ultrasonication, were carried out to disperse the clay into epoxy or anhydride portion of the thermoset system. Dispersion of clay particles into resin were assessed and measured by means of optical and scanning electron microscopies. The extent of nanocomposite dispersion was further confirmed by wide angle and small angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The nanocomposites' morphology showed a mix of intercalated and exfoliated structures dependent on the dispersion technique. Tensile modulus was increased with clay loading up to a concentration plateau observed at 2 wt.-% and then modulus decreased at higher concentrations. The tensile strength of nanocomposites was affected by clay concentration and dispersion morphologies as were glass transition temperature and composite thermal stability.

Fabrication and properties of biorenewable epoxy-montmorillonite clay nanocomposites

245th National Meeting (2013)

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