Bio-based unsaturated polyester/layered silicate nanocomposites: Characterization and thermo-physical properties

Proper stiffness-toughness balance along with enhancement in other thermo-physical properties can be obtained by incorporating layered silicates (nanoclay) in bio-based resins, defined as blends of functionalized vegetable oils and petroleum-based resins. Bio-based polymer nanocomposites with varying clay concentration and varying bio-resin (epoxidized soy bean oil) content in unsaturated polyester resins were manufactured. Thermo-physical properties such as tensile modulus and strength, coefficient of thermal expansion, moisture absorption, toughness, and glass transition temperatures were studied. Fracture surface morphologies and characterization of nanocomposites were performed using electron microscopy. The resulting bio-blend nanocomposites exhibit promising results for use in structural applications. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.