Structure-property relationships and modeling of the mechanical properties of a high-temperature resistant thermoset nanocomposite

In this study we report thermo-mechanical properties of organo-clay based nanocomposites with a high-temperature resistant thermoset resin. Nanocomposites up to 5 wt% of clay were prepared by a solution casting method and dispersed by ultrasonication. The structure and thermo-mechanical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) respectively. The characteristics of dispersion and influence of the preparation process on the structure of nanocomposites are critically discussed. XRD measurements indicate imperfect exfoliation and an anisotropic dispersion of clay particles in the nanocomposites. The elastic modulus and heat deflection temperature are systematically improved upon increasing the concentration of clay particles. The Halpin-Tsai model is used to fit the experimental data for describing the mechanical properties. Both the XRD results and the Halpin-Tsai model analysis indicate that the degree of exfoliation decreases with increasing concentration of clay particles. The capability of the model to explain the reinforcing mechanism in nanocomposites is discussed.