Nanocomposite UV-cured coatings: Organoclay intercalation by an epoxy resin

Polymer layered silicate nanocomposites can be obtained using several methods. In this work in situ inter-calative polymerisation is applied together with the ultraviolet (UV)-curing technique to produce hybrid materials in form of films. With this approach polymeric thermoset matrices can be obtained through a fast and environmentally safe process. Organophilic clays have been dispersed in UV-curable epoxy oligomers by ultrasonication. The suspension was added with a diol to improve curing kinetics and final conversion. The organic-inorganic hybrids obtained have been characterised by means of different techniques. The liquid resin mixed with clay and diol has been rheologically characterised in the linear viscoelastic region. In the presence of clays the epoxy monomer, which normally behaves as a Newtonian liquid, develops a solid-like behaviour in the low-frequency region. The diol addition determines an increase in the plateau modulus suggesting a better dispersion of the clay within the matrix. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.