Flexible epoxy matrices, having a good vibration damping capability, were nanoreinforced using an organoclay. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The effect of matrix flexibility on the reinforcing effect was investigated. It was found that the reinforcing effect increased with an increase in flexibility of the matrix. The reinforcement is achieved without any sacrifice in flexibility and T g . In addition, a reduction in solvent diffusion and flammability has been demonstrated. DMA study indicates that the height of the loss peak, decreases with incorporation of the clay because of the intercalation. Nevertheless, the nanocomposite samples having up to 10 wt% of the clay show a high damping capability as evident from the tan ␦ max values. POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE-2006 FIG. 5. DSC thermograms of EP-1/clay nanocomposite with varying concentration of clay. FIG. 6. Loss factor vs. temperature curve of EP-1/clay nanocomposites. FIG. 7. Storage modulus vs. temperature plots of EP-1/clay nanocomposites with 0, 10, and 15 wt% clay loading.
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