The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of nanoclay reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) resin under impact loads. Nanocomposite specimens containing nanoclay in 0, 1.5, and 3 (wt%) were prepared by melt mixing method. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy analysis, scanning electron microscope photographs, and viscosity changes in liquid state resin confirmed exfoliation and intercalation of the nanoclay in the UP resin system used. Tensile modulus showed an increase with increase in nanoclay content. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break exhibited reducing performance with increase in nanoclay content. Izod impact test results indicated better performance for the specimens containing nanoclay reinforcements, with 1.5 (wt%) of nanoclay specimens showing the highest value. High velocity impact tests were carried out using gas gun in velocity range of 20-100 m/sec and harden steel hemispherical tip projectile with diameter of 8.7 mm and weight of 11.54 g. Results for high velocity impact test indicated better performance by the specimens containing nanoclay, with 1.5 (wt%) nanoclay showing the highest attained value. Damage assessments of impact area for all specimens showed spalling type brittle failure with punch out and sever fragmentation pattern.
In this research, for the first time, the effects were investigated of nanoclay as a secondary reinforcement, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) as UV stabilizers on some properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/pistachio shell flour (PSF) composite as the new wood plastic composite (WPC). WPCs of HDPE/PSF with different levels of nanoclay (Cloisite 20A), TiO2 and HALS were prepared. Some properties were investigated before exposure to weathering conditions. Design of experiments (DOE) was carried out to find the best formulation and decrease the number of tests. WPC granules were prepared by melt-mixing method using a twin screw extruder, and then moulded using an injection moulding machine to prepare samples. The results of X-ray diffractometry (XRD) indicated partial exfoliation and intercalation of samples containing 3 and 6 per hundred composite (phc) of nanoclay. The tensile strength and modulus of HDPE/PSF samples containing 3 and 6 phc nanoclay showed 20% increase compared to samples without nanoclay. The presence of TiO2 and HALS in the formulation did not have a significant effect on tensile properties. The nanoclay presence in HDPE/ PSF formulation improved the water absorption resistance.
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