Abstract
The field of polymer-clay nanocomposites has attracted considerable attention as a method of enhancing polymer properties and extending their utility. In this research, different nanocomposites were manufactured by modifying the EPON828 resin system through the infusion of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% by weight of clay (Nanocor(r) I.30ZE) nanoparticles. Mechanical properties such as flexural, compressive, tensile and high strain rate strengths and moduli of the polymer matrix were improved in nano-structured materials, owing to their unique phase morphology and improved interfacial interactions. A dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to monitor changes in the thermal properties of the nanocomposite. Nanoclay reinforced epoxy showed consistent improvement in all the mechanical as well as thermomechanical properties. High strain rate compressive modulus showed a progressive improvement over the neat values for all the strain rates used. SEM micrographs of the fracture surfaces for both tensile and flexural samples showed regular and continuous patterns of failure for the neat samples. The nanophased samples on the other hand showed multiple irregular failure surfaces which increased in number with nanoclay loading.