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Abstract
An intercross-linked network of vinyl ester monomer (VEM)-toughened epoxy-clay hybrid nanocomposites was developed and characterized using analytical methods. Cyclohexyl-1,1′-bis[4-(γ-2-methylphenoxy)-α-hydroxypropylacrylate]-based VEM was synthesized from 1,1-bis(3-methyl-4-glycidyloxyphenyl) cyclohexane and acrylic acid. The VEM was subsequently blended with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) resin cast and cured with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM). VEM-toughened epoxy matrices were reinforced with organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) clay yielding hybrid epoxy nanocomposites. Data obtained from thermal characterization indicate that the introduction of VEM into epoxy resin improves thermal properties. The morphological behavior of the nanocomposite was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the financial support offered for completing this research work by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India.