Morphology and properties of a photopolymer/clay nanocomposite prepared by a rapid prototyping system

This study represents an in situ polymerization by preparation of tetrafunction polyester acrylate mixed with 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate/clay nanocomposite by digital light processor rapid prototyping. The morphology of nano-clay fillers and the dispersing agent in the photopolymer matrix are investi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Chiu Shih-Hsuan, Wicaksono Sigit Tri, Chen Kun-Ting, Pong Sheng-Hong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2014-03-01
Series:Science and Engineering of Composite Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/secm-2012-0041
Description
Summary:This study represents an in situ polymerization by preparation of tetrafunction polyester acrylate mixed with 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate/clay nanocomposite by digital light processor rapid prototyping. The morphology of nano-clay fillers and the dispersing agent in the photopolymer matrix are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Degradation temperature, tensile strength, impact strength, and hardness are characterized by using thermogravimetric analysis, universal tensile machine, Izod impact tester, and hardness shore A tester, respectively. Results show that the effect of clay loading with an appropriate amount of dispersant tends to significantly increase not only the tensile strength and hardness but also the degradation temperature of photopolymer/clay nanocomposite; however, the impact strength is not affected. In the same conditions, as visualized on SEM images, the nanocomposite tends to form the exfoliated structure with agglomeration of clay, which is caused by uneven distribution of nano-clay in the photopolymer matrix.
ISSN:0792-1233
2191-0359