Unsaturated Polyesters / Layered Silicate Nanocomposites: Synthesis and Characterization

Unsaturated polyester (PEs) / Egyptian bentonite nanocomposites were prepared. The bentonites used were chemically modified by cation exchange reactions with surfactant (quaternary ammonium salt). The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by morphology analysis using X-ray diffraction, transmition electron microscope, thermal analysis, mechanical analysis and electrical analysis. The results reported in this study revealed the improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites. All modified clay-polyester nanocomposites displayed improved mechanical properties with organoclay content up to 7 wt % as compared with PEs filled with micrometer clay (40 wt %).Also the prepared nanocomposites show improvement of thermal stability and electrical conductivity .