Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoclay‐Reinforced Trifunctional “Bioresin‐Modified” Epoxy Blends Enhanced with Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Abstract

Epoxy/TEIA clay nanocomoposite was synthesized from renewable resource based itaconic acid trifunctional bioresin (TEIA) reinforced with Cloisite 93 A nanoclay (C93 A), which was further cured with an anhydride curing agent and 2‐methylimidazole as a catalyst. From the mechanical strength it was observed the tensile strength of virgin epoxy 42.94 MPa enhanced to 70.26 MPa with the incorporation of 2.5 wt% C93 A. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermal analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that epoxy/30%TEIA with 2.5 wt% organoclay content revealed improvement of the thermal stability and storage modulus. Epoxy/30%TEIA/2.5%C93 A showed raised surface hydrophilicity and increased the wetting energy with increasing clay content. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studied corroborated that exfoliated formation within the organoclays in the nanocomposites.

Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Polyacrylamide‐Polystyrene/Bentonite Nanocomposite as an Effective Immobilizing Adsorbent for Remediation of Soil

“…The second weight loss step, which is started at about 400 °C and ended at 700 °C (about 5%), may be related to the water molecules which are located between the layers of bentonite. TGA analysis of polyacrylamide‐polystyrene/bentonite (Figure ) shows about 70% weight loss between 100 °C and 700 °C which is related to desorption of water molecules located inside the layers of nanocomposite, external surface of nanocomposite and degradation of polymer chains that are located between the layers of bentonite . Therefore, it can be concluded that polymer chains are successfully loaded on the surfaces of bentonite.…”