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Chemical reactions affecting halloysite dispersion in epoxy nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Sánchez Manuel,
Uicich Julieta Fabienne,
Arenas Gustavo Francisco,
Rodríguez Exequiel Santos,
Montemartini Pablo Ezequiel,
Penoff Marcela Elisabeth
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.47979
Subject(s) - halloysite , epoxy , nanocomposite , materials science , dispersion (optics) , grafting , composite material , rheology , composite number , chemical engineering , polymer , physics , optics , engineering
Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have attracted a technologic and scientific attention as reinforcements of epoxy‐based nanocomposites. However, their reported interaction with epoxy matrices is varied and the controlled dispersion of HNTs is still a challenge. In this work, we study the effect of chemical reactions taking place in the dispersion process of halloysite and their possible influence in the composite's properties. HNTs' surface was modified through an alkaline treatment and by grafting two aminosilanes with different chain lengths and functionality numbers. Evidence of homopolymerization and degradation reactions was found, depending on the surface treatment. The rheological study indicated that an interconnected network can be achieved in epoxy/HNTs blends depending on the surface chemical characteristics of the nanofillers and the blending method. The better dispersion was accomplished when ultrasonicating with the aid of a solvent. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are not warranted by selecting a dispersion method. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136 , 47979.