Study on fracture behavior of surface treated montmorillonite/epoxy nanocomposites

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2007 Nov;7(11):4210-3.

Abstract

It is known that the mechanical properties of clay-reinforced nanocomposites are significantly affected by the dispersion of clay particles in the matrix. In this study, the effect of surface-treatment of Montmorillonite (MMT) on the fracture behavior of MMT/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated. For this purpose, fracture tests were performed using samples with three different clay concentration level. After fracture tests, SEM analysis was made on the fracture surfaces to examine the fracture mechanism. It was found that the MMT treatment using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane enhanced the fracture toughness increased of the MMT/epoxy nanocomposite. This is due to the improved intercalation effect and interfacial strength between MMT and epoxy matrix.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bentonite / chemistry*
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Epoxy Compounds / chemistry*
  • Hardness
  • Hardness Tests
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Particle Size
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Epoxy Compounds
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Bentonite