Effect of Addition of Nanoclays on Properties of Vinyl Ester

摘要

Vinyl ester resins have been used in many engineering applications such as matrix for composites used in ships, chemical reservoirs, pipes etc. It is desirable to enhance a few important properties of the resin such as fiammability resistance, water absorption resistance, and fracture toughness. The addition of nanoclays has been shown to enhance these properties of epoxy resins. The work in this project is to investigate the effect of adding nanoclays on these properties of vinyl ester.Commercial vinyl esters usually contain styrene, which serves both as a diluent and a crosslinking agent. The presence of styrene complicates the incorporation of clays into the vinyl ester. As such two types of vinyl ester were used. One is commercial vinyl ester (Derakane 411-350) which contains styrene, and the other is vinyl ester synthesized in the laboratory, which is kept free of styrene during the clay incorporation. Different types of clays were examined. Different methods of mixing the clays in the vinyl ester were investigated.The results show that among the different clays, composites made using vinyl ester and Cloisite 20A show better performance. If the mixing conditions are right, there is significant improvement in fracture toughness. However there is some reduction in flexural strength upon the addition of the clays.