Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Title

UV Curable Epoxy Acrylate-Clay Nanocomposites

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2006

Abstract

UV curable epoxy acrylates were reinforced with two different organically modified montmorillonites (MMTs) and an unmodified MMT. Conversion and rate of polymerization was monitored by real time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR) and photo-DSC. Microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical clarity. Optical clarity of the films containing clay was quite good as only a slight decrease was observed. Physical properties of the reinforced films were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), hardness and tensile testing. Enhancements in glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal stability and mechanical properties were observed. The films reinforced with the unmodified MMT exhibit the most significant enhancements in properties.

Publication Title

European Polymer Journal

Volume

42

Issue

10

First Page

2596

Last Page

2605

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