Sodium montmorillonite clay loaded novel organic–inorganic hybrid composites: Synthesis and characterization

Polyimide based organic matrix loaded with 1, 3 and 5 wt.% of sodium montmorillonite (Na+MMT) clay particles, i.e. (polyimide–clay-1, polyimide–clay-3 and polyimide–clay-5), were developed by thermal imidization method. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis were used to understand thermal properties. Universal testing machine was used to study mechanical strength properties. The results from thermal analysis indicated that the glass transition temperature of the hybrid composite was increased by about 10 °C and its thermal stability was obviously improved, in comparison with pure polyimide. The investigation on the mechanical properties showed that the tensile strength could be obviously increased by adding 1 wt.% (by weight) (Na+MMT) clay particles to the matrix. The gel content, adhesive strength, Impact strength, water absorption resistance and abrasion resistance were increased with increasing the clay concentration in polyimide matrix.

► In the present study, organic–inorganic hybrid coatings were developed by incorporating Na+MMT clay particles into polyimide and to study their molecular structure.
► Three hybrid coatings were synthesized by adding 1, 3 and 5 wt.% Na+MMT clay particles into polyimide to improve their performances over the pure polyimide coating.
► Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis were used to understand thermal properties. Universal testing machine was used to study mechanical strength properties.
► The thermal, mechanical and coating properties with different clay content were characterized.