Polymer/clay aerogel-based glass fabric laminates

Laminates of polymer/clay aerogels and glass fabric sheets were prepared with varying epoxy adhesion application levels. A poly(amide-imide) and an epoxy (1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether/2,6-diaminopyridine) were chosen as the two foam core polymers; both single-layered and double-layered glass fiber laminates were investigated. The adhesion between polymer clay aerogels and glass fibers was quantified using the T-peel method. The peel strength properties were found to increase as adhesive loading increased up to an optimal value, after which peel strength declines. Flexural and compressive testing of the laminates was also performed as a way of measuring mechanical strength. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012