Static and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Coir Fiber/Montmorillonite Nanoclay-Filled Novolac/Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites

Abstract

A simple method for the preparation of novel nanocomposites involving different weight ratios of blends of epoxy novolac (ENR) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) resin, natural coir fiber, and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay is described. It was found that on blending ENR with DGEBA, the storage modulus at room temperature are enhanced by about 100 % or more in the case of 50 and 65 % ENR-containing matrices; whereas, the enhancement in the case of 20 and 35 % ENR-containing matrices is only 50 % that of the pure matrix. It was also observed that the tan δ peak heights of the composite containing 50 and 65 % ENR are closer to that of 35 % ENR-containing composite. The plausible explanation is made on the basis of experimental findings of static and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of ENR and DGEBA resin blends. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to obtain information on the modification of nanoclay and also thermal stability of various nanocomposites were determined from thermo gravimetric analyses. DMA showed that the modification of the clay strongly influences the stiffness and glass transition temperature (T g ) of the nanocomposites. It is possible to manufacture coir composites with increased stiffness without sacrificing their ductility.

Tribological Analysis of Jute/Coir Polyester Composites Filled with Eggshell Powder (ESP) or Nanoclay (NC) Using Grey Rational Method

“…As an example, nanoclay has been demonstrated to improve the waterjet cutting precision into jute/polyester composites [14] and a mixture of jute and eggshell powder has been proposed as a filler for cement-paper composites for automotive dashboards [15]. As regards coir, its use in an epoxy matrix together with nanoclay allowed obtaining a better stiffness with no detriment to its ductility [16]. In particular, eggshell powder (ESP) was used with coir to provide an improved compressive strength with immediate reduction of the tensile one [17].…”

The nanobiocomposites synthesis from biomass and its characterization

“…Therefore, in order to increase chemical and thermal properties of natural fibers, some chemicals are used such as, maleic anhydride acetic anhydride, silane and styrene [17][18][19][20]. Similarly, nanoparticles such as nanoclay [21], BNNTs [22], CNTs [23], and graphene nanosheets [24] are used as a filler with the aim to improving the biodegradation rate, the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of polymer matrix [25].…”

Epoxy/Fly ash from Thermal Power Plant/Nanofiller Nanocomposite: Studies on Mechanical and Thermal Properties: A Review

“…The dispersion of CNT with 0.5 and 1 wt% ultrasonically in polymer matrix enhances the modulus and glass transition temperature. Saw[133] prepared nanocomposite based on natural coir fiber, organically modified montmorillonite [ommt] with the different weight ratio of blends of novolac (ENR) and (DGEBA) resin. Ustuna et al[134] evaluated the experimental results of epoxy nanocomposite reinforced with carbon nanotubes and for boron nitride nanoplates (BNPs).…”