Mechanical, Thermal and Flammability Properties of Pultruded Soy-Based Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites were synthesized using a soy-based epoxy resin, which was prepared by the process of transesterfication and epoxidation of regular food grade soybean oil and montmorillonite clay. High shear mixer and sonication were used to disperse the nanoclay into the soy-based epoxy resin. Glass/epoxy-clay nanocomposites were manufactured using the pultrusion process. The dispersion of clay in the resin was evaluated using wide angle X-ray diffraction. Flexural and impact tests were performed to evaluate the structural performance of these new glass fiber reinforced nanocomposites. Thermal properties, such as onset of decomposition and degradative heat flow, were determined by thermogravimetric analysis. The results show significant improvements in mechanical and thermal properties for glass fiber reinforced soy-based pultruded nanocomposites. The improved properties can be attributed to increased interfacial surface area and exfoliated morphology. Cone calorimetry was used to evaluate the flammability resistance of the nanocomposites. The soy based nanocomposites are environmentally friendly and appear suitable for structural applications