Effect of ion exchange treatment on the properties of muscovite filled epoxy composite

This paper reports the effect of ion exchange treatment of muscovite particles on the properties of muscovite filled epoxy composites. Ion exchange treatment was performed in order to improve the muscovite-epoxy interfacial adhesion and dispersion in the epoxy matrix. Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed that octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMAB) was successfully exchanged with the potassium ion on muscovite. Determination of the mechanical properties of treated muscovite filled epoxy, over a range of muscovite loadings (10 wt.% to 40 wt.%), reveals that the flexural strength and fracture toughness values are superior to that of untreated muscovite epoxy composite. A micrograph of the flexural fracture surface was investigated in order to justify the dispersion of muscovite particles in the matrix.