S2 glass/vinylester polymer nanocomposites : Manufacturing, structures, thermal and mechanical properties

The field of polymer-clay nanocomposites has attracted considerable attention as a method of enhancing polymer properties and extending their utility. Layered silicates dispersed as a reinforcing phase in a polymer matrix are one of the most important forms of such inorganic-organic nanocomposites, making them the subject of intense research. We have recently prepared fiber-reinforced composites in which the matrix was a vinyl ester layered silicate nanocomposites. This paper is primarily focused on studying the effects of nano clay particles on improving mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer matrix composite. S2 glass-vinyl ester nanocomposites were prepared by adding different weight percentages (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5% and 10%) ofmontmorillonite nano clay particles to vinyl ester matrices. Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM), which is a cost effective process, was used for nanocomposite fabrication. The results show increased interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness and better thermal properties (temperature of decomposition, glass transition temperature) of the nanostructured materials with low loading of organo silicates. Optical and Scanning Electron Micrographs were taken to examine the failure surfaces. Molecular dispersion of the layered silicate within the cross-linked matrix was verified using Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealing the intercalated nanocomposites were formed. TEM also indicated favorable fiber-clay interactions.