Effects of nanoclay morphology on the mechanical, thermal, and fire-retardant properties of vinyl ester based nanocomposite

The purpose of this study was to find the optimum mixing technique that leads to maximum gain in mechanical, thermal, and fire-retardant properties of vinyl ester based nanocomposites. Specifically, five combinations of incremental mixing intensity were applied to five groups of samples that were made of vinyl ester resin reinforced by 1.0 wt.% of montmorillonite (MMT). Changes in mechanical properties associated with each mixing combination were examined through a variety of tests, which were low velocity impact test, bending test, compression test, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Additionally, changes in thermal properties (thermal diffusivity, glass transition temperature) and fire-retardant properties associated with each mixing combination were also evaluated. The results were compared with pure vinyl ester resin. Finally, an optimum mixing combination was proposed. This study will be a meaningful addition to the current nanocomposites research literature because few studies were comprehensive ones where various mixing combinations were compared and ultimately an optimum mixing technique was recommended.