Clay reinforcement epoxy resins

Tsotra et al. [12] studied the electrical properties of clay-reinforced epoxy resin-polyaniline blends. 

The surface of the model is covered with a uniform layer of clay or plasticine. The thickness of the spacing layer determines the thickness of the final mold. The next step is to build up a rigid layer on top of the spacer. This support is either poured (plaster or casting resin) or built up in layers by spreading the material (polyester, polyurethane or epoxy resin reinforced with fiberglass matting). Once the support has set, it is separated from the spacer, which is then discarded. The support, which must contain air-escape and feeding holes, is now fitted over the model. The silicone rubber is poured into the hollow space between the support and the model and allowed to cure. The... 

Abstract In this chapter, we report the findings of experimental investigations conducted on durability of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites with and without the addition of montmorillonite nanoclay. First, neat and nanoclay-added epoxy systems were characterized to evaluate the extent of clay platelet exfoliation and dispersion of nanoclay. GFRP composite panels were then fabricated with neat/modified epoxy resin and exposed to six different conditions, i.e. hot-dry/wet, cold-dry/wet, ultraviolet radiation and alternate ultraviolet radiation-condensation. Room temperature condition samples were also used for baseline consideration. 

China clay is a widely used white filler in the rubber industry. Depending on particle size, it can be used as a semi-reinforcing filler (hard clay) or a non-reinforcing filler (soft clay) in such applications as chemical liners, bicycle tyres, conveyor belts, shoe soles, gaskets and flooring. Its use in plastics is much more limited. In thermoplastics it is used for speciality antiblocking, in thermosets it is used in urea-, phenol- and melamine formaldehyde, in unsaturated polyesters, and in epoxy resins. 

General discussions of the effect of reinforcing agents on the thermal properties of polymers include glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate [28], multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced liquid crystalline polymer [29], polysesquioxane [30, 31], polynrethane [31], epoxy resins [32], polyethylene [33], montmorillonite clay-reinforced polypropylene [34], polyethylene [35], polylactic acid [36, 37], calcium carbonate-filled low-density polyethylene [38], and barium sulfate-filled polyethylene [39]. 

The presence of silica NPs assembled to fibrous clays could be of interest for their use as nanofillers in polymers reinforcement Preliminary attempts in the use of silica-sepiolite nanoarchitectures, as well as the intermediate silica-organosepiolite materials, as nanofillers of epoxy resins show a moderate mechanical improvement [57,74], Further modifications of the silica NPs assembled to sepiolite could produce organic-inorganic hybrids that can be considered as promising new functional materials for diverse applications, from sensing devices to polymer reinforcement. 

Epoxies are adhesive systems made by a complex chemical reaction. Various resins are made synthetically by reacting two or more chemicals. The resultant resin can then be reacted or cured by the addition of another chemical called a hardener or catalyst. The basic epoxy resin systems are further modified to change their physical properties by the addition of such things as flexihilizers for impact resistance and flexibility, diluents or solvents to reduce the viscosity fillers, and reinforcements hke glass fiber, alumina, silica sand, clay, metal powders, and flakes to change properties such as heat and electrical resistance, fire retardance, strength, and adhesion to certain substrates or materials. 

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