Effect of organo modified clays reinforcement on thermal expansion and degradation kinetics in unsaturated polyester composites

Abstract

The unsaturated polyester isophthalate (UP) was reinforced with organically modified clay. The composites were analyzed by TGA, TMA, FT-IR, SEM and UL-94 tests. FT-IR spectra show no reaction between clay and polymer matrix. The thermogravimetric analysis indicate the increased thermal resistance when clay particles were introduced into the resin. The Horowitz-Metzger, Freeman-Caroll, Sharp-Wentworth and Friedman kinetic models were used to understand the kinetics of degradation. Degradations were observed to follow these four kinetic models for polymer degradation. Thermal expansion co-efficient and dimension change were found to decrease with increase in the clay loading. Further, Underwriters Laboratories -94 tests conducted on the samples implied that materials can be used for structural applications. UL-94 tests have showed the reduction in burning rate with the increase in clay content. Scanning electron micrographs reveal good dispersion of the clay particles in the matrix.