| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1695355 | Applied Clay Science | 2012 | 5 Pages |
Completely exfoliated epoxy/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites with high-performance were successfully prepared using Nano-disassembling method. Nano-SiO2 particles were added into the organo-montmorillonite and epoxy mixture system as a disassembler to interact with organo-montmorillonite (o-MMT). By means of the strong interaction between nanoscale particles, the MMT layers were completely disassembled into elemental nanoscale mono-platelets. These mono-platelets and the disassembler particles dispersed in the resultant nanocomposites taking an interlacing arrangement. Mechanical testing and thermal analysis results indicated that the nanocomposites prepared by Nano-disassembling method displayed dramatic improvements in mechanical and thermal properties compared with traditional epoxy/o-MMT nanocomposites. Tensile modulus and tensile strength increased by 63.0% and 53.0%, respectively. Flexural modulus enhanced by 6.0%, flexural strength by 13.2% and notch impact strength by 36.1%. Glass transition temperature and thermal decomposition temperature moved to high temperatures by 9.0 °C and 5.0 °C.
► The new method gets out of the traditional mode and employs a unique mechanism. ► The interaction between nanoscale particles is ingeniously used. ► Layered silicates are readily disassembled into elementary nanomonoplatelets. ► Resultant nanocomposites show high performance in multiple properties. ► The method opens a new way for preparing polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites.Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
