The overall effect of reactive rubber nanoparticles and nano clay on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin

Epoxy resin, a thermoset polymer matrix used for technical applications; exhibit some outstanding properties such as high modulus, high chemical resistance and high dimension stability. However, the high crosslink density of epoxy makes this material brittle with low impact strength and poor resistance to crack propagation, which limits their many end use applications. It is an important objective to explore new routes toward toughening of epoxy resins without affecting stiffness, strength, and glass temperature. The main objective of this work is to incorporate reactive rubber nanoparticles (RRNP) and organically modified nanoclay (Cloisite-30B) into epoxy matrix with the aim of obtaining improved material with higher toughness without compromising the other desired mechanical properties. Epoxy hybrids nanocomposites containing RRNP, Cloisite-30B and RRNP/Cloisite-30B mixture were synthesized and characterized to compare the different properties which normally result from the use of single filler and hence aiming to improve toughness/stiffness balance.