Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Materials Science
Maiya Minor - Talladega College
Co-Author(s): Vertonica F. Powell-Rose, Mahesh Hosur, Alfred Tcherbi-Narteh, and Shaik Jeelani, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee AL
Epoxy based nanocomposites have gained extensive interest because of their uses in various industrial applications. In addition to the previous statement, recent developments on the use of natural clays and layered silicate clays for designing polymer nanocomposites is presented herein. The specific aim of this study is to determine the effects of processing parameters such as magnetic stirring; on the rheological properties of the epoxy super sap Part A CPM without the addition of hardener. Cloisite 10 A, 20, and 30 B 1-3 wt% concentrations was used in this study. In previous studies, it shows proper processing and dispersion methods of the materials are crucial to receive full benefits of cloisite. Cloisite was dried at 60°C for two hours before dispersing. The TA Instruments Advanced Rheometer (AR) 2000 was used to determine the viscosity of the material. The viscosity of the uncured epoxy resin, increased after the incorporation of cloisite, while the shear rate increased. Rheology showed that 3% wt. Cloisite 10 A and 30 B had the highest viscosity compared to the neat epoxy. However, Cloisite 20 1% wt. had the highest viscosity compared to the neat epoxy.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF Grant DMR-1358998
Faculty Advisor: Mahesh Hosur, hosur@mytu.tuskegee.edu
Role: I had performed all the work required in order to get this project done. I had prepared all samples and tested them.