Sains Malaysiana 44(3)(2015): 441–448

Thermal Stability and Decomposition Study of Epoxy/Clay Nanocomposites

(Kestabilan Terma dan Kajian Penguraian Epoksi/Lempung Terubah Nano)

S. DZUHRI, N.Y. YUHANA* & M. KHAIRULAZFAR

Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43000 Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Received: 5 May 2014/Accepted: 3 September 2014

ABSTRACT

This study utilized the incorporation of nanoparticle filler into an epoxy system to study the effect of different nanosized montmorillonite (MMT) fillers on the thermal stability and mechanical properties of epoxy. The sample was prepared using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with different surface treatments of montmorillonite filler by mechanical stirring. The results of thermal stability and mechanical properties of epoxy/clay system obtained from thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), universal testing machine (UTM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were discussed. With the same amount of filler introduced into the system, different thermal stability of epoxy composite can be observed. Bentonite, which contained other contaminant components, can downgrade the enhanced properties of the filler.

Keywords: Cloisite; epoxy; montmorillonite; nanocomposite; thermal stability

ABSTRAK

Kajian ini dijalankan bagi mengaplikasikan pengisi bersaiz nano ke dalam sistem epoksi yang memberi kesan terhadap kestabilan terma dan ciri-ciri mekanikalnya. Sampel yang digunakan adalah daripada epoksi diglicidil eter bisfenol A (DGEBA) dengan pengisi montmorilonit yang berbeza olahan permukaan melalui kaedah pengadukan mekanikal. Hasil kestabilan terma dan ciri-ciri mekanikal sistem epoksi/lempung diperoleh daripada alat analisis gravimetri terma (TGA), mesin ujian universal dan mikroskopi elektron imbasan (SEM) dibincangkan dengan teliti. Dengan jumlah pengisi yang sama, hasil kestabilan terma yang berbeza dapat diperoleh. Bentonit yang mengandungi bendasing dapat menurunkan ciri-ciri penambah kekuatan pengisi tersebut.

Kata kunci: Epoksi; kestabilan terma; kloisit; montmorilonit; terubah nano

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*Corresponding author; email: yuliana@eng.ukm.my