Phenolic matrix nanocomposites based on commercial grade resols: Synthesis and characterization

Abstract

Please cite this article as: Natali, M., Kenny, J., Torre, L., Phenolic matrix nanocomposites based on commercial grade resols: synthesis and characterization, Composites Science and Technology (2009), doi: 10.1016/ j.compscitech.2009 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT AbstractPolymer layered silicate nanocomposites based on a commercial grade resol were produced using a simple, low labor cost, mechanical approach which allowed to avoid the process of intercalative polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde. Commercial compatibilized montmorillonite was selected as the main nanoreinforcement, while the matrix was a resol diluted in methanol. The aim of this work was to optimize the production technique of the above mentioned nanocomposites. Therefore intercalation of the resin was promoted by high speed mixing, and the processing parameters were varied in order to find the optimum dispersion. The produced nanocomposites were characterized and compared by means of X-ray diffraction, SEM and thermogravimetric analysis. The results of the characterization tests indicated that it was possible to obtain a good degree of dispersion as well as and uniform distribution of the nanoclay platelets. However, TGA measurements showed that the introduction of well dispersed nanoclays did not result in a consistent improvement of thermal stability respect that of the neat resol.

Functionally graded carbon nanofiber/phenolic nanocomposites and their mechanical properties

“…Its excellent ablative resistance has made it a promising material for reentry vehicles and rocket motor nozzle materials [5]. However, mechanical performance of theses phenolic structures has been a concern as they must withstand high pressures, and phenolic often suffers from low mechanical properties [6].…”

Viscoelastic behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotubes into phenolic resin

“…Many thermoplastic polymers and resins have been used to produce polymer/CNT materials which were proved to exhibit desirably improvement on properties. However, most polymers of researches on this subject are thermoplastics [8][9][10][11][12] and few studies have been focused on thermosets (especially epoxy resins) and thereby less data of structure-property on phenolic resin has been accumulated.…”

“…Because of its excellent ablative properties, structural integrity, thermal stability and solvent resistance, phenolic resins are still widely used, especially in thermal insulation materials, molding compounds, coatings and composite materials [11][12][13] . Although significant advances have been made in recent years to overcome difficulties with the manufacture of polymer nanocomposites, processing remains a key challenge in fully utilizing the properties of the nanoscale reinforcement.…”

Dispersing carbon nanotubes in phenolic resin using an aqueous solution

“…Because of its excellent ablative properties, structural integrity, thermal stability and solvent resistance, phenolic resins are still widely used, especially in thermal insulation materials, molding compounds, coatings and composite materials. [13][14][15] Our most important goal is the nanotube dispersion control by adjusting the CNT/phenolic resin interface. However, due to the strong van der Waals forces of single CNTs, this reinforcement tends to form bundles within production process.…”