Mechanical characterization of nano clay composite modified with 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy) propan-1-ol.

The addition of nano clay composite and reactive diluents was found to be good for various properties of the composite when individually used. This research aims at the preparation of modified nanocomposites and investigating their mechanical properties. Mechanical testing, crosslinking density, surface morphology, and functional groups present in the composite were observed in this research. The composites were mixed with varying wt.% (2, 5, 7, 10) of 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy) propan-1-ol reactive diluent and a steady (5 wt.%) of nano clay mixed in epoxy. Mechanical testing samples were manufactured in line with ASTM standards. Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy tests have been conducted to investigate the surface morphology and the presence of functional groups present in the system. The swelling behaviour of the samples has been observed to gain a better understanding of crosslinking density. The tensile and fracture toughness behaviour of the composite was greatly improved. In addition, 7 wt.% diluent and 5 wt.% nano clay in the pristine epoxy reveal an optimal property. Including nano clay and reactive diluent 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy) propan-1-ol in differing amounts improves tensile and fracture resilience by (19–23)%, suggesting a tight forming bond between epoxy, nano clay, and diluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]