Thermal Degradation Kinetics, Mechanical, and Flame Retardant Properties of Epoxy-HDPE Fabric-Clay Composite Laminates

Addition of particulates into laminates has been found to influence thermal and mechanical properties. Composite laminates of epoxy-high density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric-clay were prepared by reinforcing clay in the range of 0.1-0.7 phr into epoxy-HDPE fabric laminates. These laminates are characterized for their mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant performances. With the addition of clay, an increase was found in impact resistance, tensile strength, flexural strength, and Young's modulus to an extent of 0.2 phr clay, after which there is a decrease in these properties. The thermal stability is found to decrease with the addition of clay. The improved mechanical properties are obtained at the slight expense of thermal stability. UL-94 tests indicate a reduction in the burning rate. Morphology of the broken samples indicate better dispersion at lower clay load and tactoid formation at higher clay loading. These materials have potential applications in agriculture, construction, and decorative purposes. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.