Processability studies of silica-thermoset polymer matrix nanocomposites

The aim of this study is to investigate the processability of silica‐thermoset polymer matrix nanocomposites in terms of dispersion of silica nanoparticles and their effect on curing. Two thermosetting resins were considered, an epoxy and a polyester resin, with 5% silica, although 1% silica was als...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer engineering and science 2008-02, Vol.48 (2), p.216-222
Main Authors: Lekakou, C., Kontodimopoulos, I., Murugesh, A.K., Chen, Y.L., Jesson, D.A., Watts, J.F., Smith, P.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Composites
Composition
Curing
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Nanoparticles
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polymer matrix composites
Polymer processing
Properties
Silica
Technology of polymers
Thermosetting composites
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Summary:The aim of this study is to investigate the processability of silica‐thermoset polymer matrix nanocomposites in terms of dispersion of silica nanoparticles and their effect on curing. Two thermosetting resins were considered, an epoxy and a polyester resin, with 5% silica, although 1% silica was also used in preliminary studies in the polyester system. Various combinations of mechanical mixing and sonication were investigated for the dispersion of silica nanoparticles under different processing conditions and times in solvent‐free and solvent‐containing systems. It was found that the best dispersion route involved a solvent‐aided dispersion technique. Consequently, different procedures for the solvent removal were investigated. Optical microscopy and SEM were used to characterize the resulting nanocomposites. DSC and rheological DMTA tests demonstrated that the silica nanoparticles shorten the gel time and promote curing in these thermosetting systems. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
ISSN:0032-3888
1548-2634
DOI:10.1002/pen.20815