REVIEW OF DISPERSION MECHANISM OF NANOCLAY IN EPOXY BASED NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS

摘要

Hybrid polymer nanocomposites developed from glass fiber, epoxy resin and nanoclay are increasingly used in marine, aerospace, packaging and high performance structural applications. The dispersion of nanoclay into epoxy resin is a challenging process. It is well known that inorganic filler particles enhance the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. In this paper, different dispersion methods were reviewed. Nanoclay (2 percent by weight) was dispersed in epoxy using magnetic stirrer and sonicator. Hybrid nanocomposite laminates were prepared with two different fabrication process, namely, vacuum resin transfer molding and hand layup technique. These laminates were studied under impact loading to investigate the effect of nanoclay on impact properties. The structural morphology and interlayer spacing were studied using transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction respectively. Some results are promising. Improvement in mechanical strength was also observed. The enhanced properties are the result of improved interfacial bonding between the fibers and the surrounding matrix modified by the organoclay. Geometrical properties of the particles and a homogeneous dispersion state mainly contribute to the increase in performance.