Epoxy/polyester blend nanocomposites: effect of nanoclay on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties

The inter-cross-linked networks of unsaturated polyester (UP) toughened epoxy blends were developed and characterised. Mechanical properties like tensile strength (TS), impact strength (IS), interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis were characterized for the above nanocomposites. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay was dispersed into the same system to prepare blended epoxy/UP/clay nanocomposites in different weight ratios viz. 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 5%. Blended nanocomposites were fabricated by high shear mechanical mixing followed by ultra-sonication process to get homogeneous mixing under the aid of in situ polymerization. Mechanical properties were studied as per ASTM standards. Data obtained from mechanical studies indicated that the epoxy/UP/clay combination improved the mechanical properties to an appreciable extent. The ILSS,TS and IS of the 3 wt % clay-filled blend nanocomposite system was increased by 52%, 30% and 16% respectively compared to that of the neat blend (0wt. % clay) resin system. The homogeneous morphologies of the UP toughened epoxy and epoxy/UP/clay nanocomposite systems were ascertained using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies. The objective of this study is to identify a suitable nanocomposite which offers low-cost, high strength material, which can be applied in making light weight components for automobile parts, transportation systems and consumer products