Microstructural and mechanical properties of polyester/nanoclay nanocomposites: Microstructure-mixing strategy correlation

Hamid Dalir, Rouhollah D. Farahani, Vireya Nhim, Benjamin Samson, Martin Lévesque, Daniel Therriault

Research output: Chapter in Book/Entry/PoemConference contribution

Abstract

Different nanoclay mixing strategies using a three-roll mill and ultrasonication is proposed to obtain the desired polyester/nanoclay dispersion, intercalation, and exfoliation. The dispersion states of the modified nanoclay in polymer with 2, 4 and 6 wt% loading were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and low and high magnification transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties of the clay-reinforced polyester nanocomposites were a function of the nature and the content of the clay in the matrix. The nanocomposite containing 4 wt% modified Cloisite® 15A exhibits excellent improvement in modulus (by ∼51%) and tensile strength (by ∼12%) with a decrease in fracture strain (by ∼26%) and fracture energy (by ∼17%). These mechanical characteristic changes can be attributed to the dispersion, intercalation, and exfoliation of the nanoclays inside the polyester matrix.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPolymer-Based Materials and Composites - Synthesis, Assembly, Properties and Applications
Pages151-159
Number of pages9
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event2010 MRS Fall Meeting - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Nov 29 2010Dec 3 2010

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume1312
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Other

Other2010 MRS Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period11/29/1012/3/10

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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