Preparation and Properties of Organic Rectorite/Epoxy Resin Nano-Composites

Five kinds of organic rectorite (OREC)-reinforced Epoxy Resin (EP) composites (OREC/EP) were prepared by using different ORECs as modifiers. The curing process of EP, the functional groups of OREC and its interlayer distance (d-spacing) are demonstrated by Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction). The morphologies of OREC/EP composites and the dispersion of OREC in the cured EP matrix were investigated using XRD and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties, thermal deformed temperature (HDT), hot-wet resistance, alkali resistance and water adsorption of the resulting OREC/EP composites were evaluated. It is found that the addition of OREC can improve the comprehensive properties of EP. The maximum mechanical properties of OREC/EP can be obtained by OREC3/EMI-2, 4/E-51 due to the high stiffness and uniform dispersion of OREC in matrixes. The most desirable properties of OREC/EP composites were obtained with impact strength of 9.5 kJ/m², bent strength of 86 KPa and HDT of 182°C, all of which is improved by 8.0%, 8.9% and 28.2% than those of pure EP, respectively.