Epoxy layered-silicate nanocomposites

Polymer layered-silicate nanocomposites have attracted a lot of attention because of impressive enhancements of polymeric properties. In this research, both commercially available and synthesized organolayered silicates, which are compatible with the epoxy resins, were used to make epoxy nanocomposites. The epoxy resin used in this research includes Epon 862/curing agent W (the aerospace epoxy resin), the Epon 828/Epi-Cure curing agent 8290-Y-60 (used as the primer layer for corrosion prevention in aircraft coating), and Epon 828/Jeffamine D400. The morphology of the nanocomposites was characterized using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAX-D), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The morphology development for the aerospace epoxy-organoclay nanocomposite was monitored through in situ SAXS and analyzed. The solvent absorption of the exfoliated aerospace epoxy-organoclay nanocomposite in acetone was examined, and the diffusion coefficients of solvent in the nanocomposites were reduced. The organoclay/Epon 828/Y-60 and organoclay/Epon 828/D400 nanocomposite were used to make coatings on an Al surface. The anticorrosion properties of the nanocomposite coating were evaluated and discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.