Abstract
Epoxy-layered silicate nanocomposites were achieved by solution casting method using different amine hardeners as well as different filler surface modifications and their microstructure and oxygen permeation performance have been analyzed. The optimization of the curing conditions was achieved by differential scanning calorimetric analysis and the amount of the amine used to cure the epoxy resin was adjusted according to the number of cross-linking sites present in its structure. Apart from that, the presence of filler was also observed to have catalytic effect on the curing of the polymer. Different amines led to different extents of cross-link density of the epoxy network structure and the oxygen permeation was accordingly affected. The chemical architecture of the surface modifications also affected the morphology and the oxygen permeation through the nanocomposite films. When the interface between the filler and the polymer was optimally designed, the filler was observed to have exfoliation in the polymer matrix which also led to subsequent enhancement in the permeation resistance. On the other hand, when polarity mismatch existed between the filler surface modification and the polymer chains, minimal filler exfoliation and intercalation was observed. The enhanced permeation resistance in the already high barrier epoxy matrix did not affect the adhesive properties of the polymer, thus, confirming their potential for use as barrier as well as adhesive layer in packaging laminates.
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