Epoxy/clay nanocomposites based on alpha-zirconium phosphate layer structure were prepared by both spray coating and film applicator approaches. The clay layers in epoxy form a long-range smectic order aligned parallel to the substrate surface and span across the entire thickness of the coating and film. These coatings and films exhibit exceptional phyiscal and mechanical properties, which include outstanding barrier properties against oxygen and moisture, superb mechanical rigidity and strength, good optical properties, great fire retardation and corrosion resistance properties, low viscosity under shear, and many others. The fundamental principles responsible for the formation of long-range smectic order of clay in epoxy are introduced. Implication of the present finding for a vast variety of engineering applications will also be discussed.

Epoxy/clay nanocomposites containing clay layers in smectic long-range order

249th National Meeting (2015)

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