Dispersant optimization using design of experiments for SiC/vinyl ester nanocomposites

Abstract

The effect of dispersants on particle dispersion and flexural properties of SiC/vinyl ester nanocomposites was studied by factorial and response surface designs. The results show that the coupling agent 'gamma-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane (MPS)' has no adverse side effect on the flexural properties as illustrated by the good correlation between maximizing the flexural strength and minimizing the agglomerates. However, the dispersant 'BYK-W 966' has a slight adverse side effect on the flexural properties although it improves dispersion at higher dosage. With an optimal dosage of MPS and W966, a small amount of SiC in 0.5 wt% results in 8% increase in strength and 14% increase in modulus. The flushing operation using the dispersant '1-octanol/decane' achieves an excellent SiC dispersion but it does not result in improved flexural properties. This confirmed that a better state of nanoparticle dispersion does not necessarily lead to improved flexural properties. A good dispersion coupling with a strong filler/matrix interfacial bonding is the key to obtain enhanced flexural properties.

Rheology of silicon carbide/vinyl ester nanocomposites

“…Hence, the hydrophobic wetting agent also acted as an efficient coupling agent that reacted with both the filler and resin. When silane coupling agent MPS and dispersant W966 were used together in 1 : 1 ratio, a synergistic performance (viscosity reduction and flexural strength enhancement) could be obtained 10, 11…”

Moisture absorption modeling using design of experiments

“…In this study, SAS was used as the statistical software for the design of experiments (DOE). Response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite design 8,10 was employed to develop the model of moisture content as a function of temperature and relative humidity. The four factorial points (n f ) were set with À1 and þ1 level at 39 and 81, respectively.…”

“…As a result, statistically based DOE are playing an important and increasing role in nanomanufacturing. 8,9 In this article, a modeling methodology based on statistically designed experiments was used to examine the dependence of equilibrium moisture content on temperature and relative humidity. Two laminate materials A and B, received from two manufacturers, were studied.…”

Optimization of processing parameters for the synthesis of low‐density polyethylene/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites using X‐ray diffraction with experimental design

“…This methodology is useful for modelling and for predicting the behaviour in a system that is influenced by several factors; therefore, the optimal variable settings can be established . Few communications have reported multivariate studies of the direct melt technique for nanocomposite synthesis . Experimental design and RSM are useful tools for screening analysis, process optimization and robustness testing, which nowadays are underutilized by polymer scientists.…”