The influence of some new montmorillonite modifier agents on the epoxy–montmorillonite nanocomposites structure

Some new epoxy-amine adducts were used as modifier agents for montmorillonite in order to enhance the compatibility between inorganic and organic phases. The adducts were synthesized by reacting different epoxy resin types with a stoichiometric amount of polyetheramine which includes hydrophobic and hydrophilic units. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) proved that these epoxy-amine adducts can be intercalated within the layers of montmorillonite and thus lead to an increase of the basal distance. TEM and XRD analysis show that the final structure of epoxy–montmorillonite hybrids strongly depends on the agents used for montmorillonite modification. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results show that the glass transition temperature of the final nanocomposites depends on the montmorillonite modifier structure.

Research Highlights►The clay dispersion degree depends on the modifier agent type. ►Clay modifier type influences the glass transition temperature of nanocomposite. ►Thermal stability of modified clay depends on the agent type.