Nanocomposite UV-cured coatings: Organoclay intercalation by an epoxy resin, Progress in Organic Coatings

Polymer layered silicate nanocomposites can be obtained using different methods. In this work in situ intercalative polymerization is applied together with the UV-curing technique to produce hybrid materials in form of films. With this approach polymeric thermoset matrices can be obtained through a fast and environmentally friendly process. Intercalated composites made of epoxy oligomers and organophilic clays have been prepared by ultrasonication. The solution was added with a diol to improve curing kinetics and final conversion. The organic-inorganic hybrid have been characterized by means of different techniques. The liquid resin mixed with clay and diol has been rheologically characterized in the linear viscoelastic region. In the presence of clays the epoxy monomer, which normally behaves as a Newtonian liquid, develops a solid-like behavior in the low-frequency region. The diol addition determines an increase in the plateau modulus suggesting a better dispersion of the clay within the matrix.