How to predict degradation processes in epoxy - anhydride / nanoclay composites

GUILLERMINA CAPIEL; MARCELA ELIZABETH PENOFF; VERA ALVAREZ; PABLO MONTEMARTINI

Montpellier

Congreso; Eurofillers Polymer Blends 2015; 2015

Epoxy - anhydride / nanoclays composite specimens were subjected to a water diffusion process causing several degradation mechanisms. The degradation was reflected in the diffusion curves and in the mechanical properties, but the individual processes taking place were very complex and difficult to isolate. The loss of mechanical properties joined the degradation progress, but was useless as a prediction parameter. However, water diffusion takes place from the water ? composite interface, setting up a concentration profile in the material, therefore the surface mechanical properties may result in a more suitable parameter to predict the bulk chemical integrity of the composites. In this study, an epoxy ? anhydride/organo-bentonite system was subjected to a distilled water diffusion process. Both, bulk and surface mechanical properties were measured and correlated to the degradation advance. The composite behavior was compared to the polymer with no organo-modified bentonite, with the aim of detecting the fillers effect in the degradation process and prediction.