Synthesis and properties of new epoxy-organolayered silicate nanocomposites

• We report the functionalization of the commercial clay Cl 93A.
• We present the first data involving epoxy-silylated Cl 93A nanocomposites.
• Epoxy-silylated Cl 93A nanocomposites with enhanced glass transition temperature

In this research, both commercially available (Cloisite 93A) and advanced functionalized clay mineral were used to obtain clay–epoxy nanocomposites. Cloisite 93A was modified with three different alkoxysilanes and was incorporated in Epon 862 epoxy resin which was crosslinked using tetraethylenepentamine as a curing agent. The determination of color grades of the composite samples was followed. The morphology of the composites was analyzed using X-ray diffraction and ESEM micrographs which provided insight into the fracture mechanism. Thermal behavior was evaluated by TGA and DSC and thermo-mechanical properties of the cured samples have been evaluated by DMA technique. The data indicated that intercalated or agglomerated silylated Cloisite–epoxy nanocomposites were obtained. The silylated Cloisite samples are more compatible with the polymer matrix due to their enhanced hydrophobic behavior leading to an improvement in storage modulus and stiffness but also to the increase of glass transition temperature up to 30 °C.