Dispersion of functionalized nanoclay platelets in an amine-cured epoxy resin system

Nanocomposites are a relatively new class of materials obtained by dispersing montmorillonite clay in a polymer matrix. Evidences from literature suggest that clay platelet dispersion during nanocomposite preparation and clay-matrix adhesion are major technical issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve the desired property enhancements in polymer-clay hybrid nanocomposites. We have studied the interaction of the organically functionalized clay with the epoxy resin by including along the chain structure functional groups that will facilitate interaction with the resin. Through conventional routes, functional molecules have been synthesized and deposited on to the clay surface. Both the functionalized and nonfunctionalized clay has been analyzed using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The exfoliation of nanoclay platelets in amine cured epoxy system has been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).