Clay-epoxy processing nanocomposites: Processing and properties

The work described in this paper is focused on evaluating the effect of the processing method and nanoclay (montmorillonite) content on the tensile, compressive, and impact properties of clay-epoxy nanocomposites. Nanocomposites are synthesized by two methods: mechanical mixing and shear mixing. Both these methods are capable of producing bulk quantities of clay-epoxy nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the nanoclay has exfoliated in the mechanically mixed specimens. Results show that as nanoclay content increases the tensile modulus increases for both mechanically and shear mixed specimens, while the compressive modulus remains largely unchanged. The total energy absorption under impact loading is found to be higher in mechanically mixed specimens.