Abstract
In this work, cure behaviour and cure kinetic parameters of unsaturated polyester (UP) resin containing Na-Montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B) is investigated. The state of nanoclay dispersion is analysed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Addition of 1–5 wt-% nanoclay results in decreasing gel time, exothermic peak and increasing cure rate. Cure kinetic parameters are determined employing Borchardt–Daniels method. The modelling results also prove: decreased curing reaction starting temperature, higher reaction rate and higher conversion ratio. Besides decreased activation energy ratio and shorter curing cycle are also observed as the main results of incorporating Cloisite 30B to neat UP resin.
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