Thermal and combustion behaviour of layered silicate-epoxy nanocomposites

The present research looks at the thermal properties of epoxy-clay nanocomposites synthesised by in situ polymerisation of a prepolymer (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A) crosslinked with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride. The inorganic phase was montmorillonite, exchanged with alkylammonium ions in order to give organophilic properties to the phyllosilicate. The morphology of epoxy-montmorillonite nanocomposites examined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy shows that mixed delamination or intercalation or microdispersion can occur depending on type of organoclay. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that in nanocomposites the epoxy matrix is sheltered from the action of oxygen. Cone calorimeter tests show that the rate of heat release in the nanocomposite combustion is strongly reduced. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.