The effect of shear forces on the microstructure and mechanical properties of epoxy–clay nanocomposites

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The objective of this work is to understand the effect of shear force on the properties of epoxy-clay nanocomposites. The shear force was controlled by changing the revolutions per minute on a mechanical mixer. Differences in the aspect ratio of clay layers and differences of clay particle distribution in the epoxy matrix were caused by shear force. Shear force mechanism on epoxy-clay nanocomposites' intercalation/exfoliation were compared with the other mechanism already suggested. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were utilized to investigate the degree of exfoliation and morphology. The mechanical and thermal properties were also studied to demonstrate the effect of shear force. This study revealed that appropriate shear force and mixing time on nanocomposite preparation was required to achieve the desired properties.

The overall effect of reactive rubber nanoparticles and nano clay on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin

“…This is explained by the fact that the extra-gallery curing reaction is faster than the intra-gallery curing reaction. Therefore, no further curing agents or epoxy resins could enter into the galleries and intercalated epoxy-clay nanocomposite is formed (Tak- Keun Oh, 2004). Overall, in order to have a clear visualization of the nanocomposite microstructure, TEM images of the samples were analyzed.…”

Nanoclay dispersion into a thermosetting binder using sonication and intensive mixing methods

“…Thermosetting polymers, including epoxy resins, are widely used especially in automotive, marine, coating, and aerospace industries 1. The applications of thermosetting resins in general and epoxy resins in particular can be broadened further upon incorporation of various inorganic and organic reinforcements and fillers to especially improve the stiffness, toughness, and mold shrinkage of the resulting thermosetting composites, as well as possibly reduce costs 2–6.…”

Thermoreversible rheological responses of biscarbamates and tricarbamates in uncured epoxy composite pastes caused by their self‐assembly in an epoxy matrix

“…BC‐16 started melting around 73 °C, but the viscosity of the composite with 10 wt % BC‐16 gradually decreased with increasing temperature, and a steep drop in the viscosity occurred around 95 °C. The dynamic oscillation test is considered an acute method for characterizing the underlying microstructure in a dispersion system, which can be probed in the at‐rest state without disruption . So, a small amplitude oscillatory shear test was carried out to deeply investigate these epoxy composites with carbamates.…”

“…Epoxy resin, one of thermosetting polymers, is extensively used, particularly in coatings, adhesives, molding, and structure material applications for many advanced industries, including the modern automotive, transportation, aerospace, and wind energy industries . Low‐molecular‐weight epoxy resins, with their high reactive functionality necessary for fast curing, high adhesion, and mechanical properties, are often relied on by these applications.…”