The influence of montmorillonite on mechanical, thermal and fire retardation properties of vinylester/glass composites

This paper presents the influence of dispersing montmorillonite in 2 to 8 wt% in vinylester on the mechanical, thermal and fire retardation behaviour of vinylester/glass composites. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results of montmorillonite/vinylester showed exfoliation of montmorillonite up to 4 wt% loading. Glass transition temperature ( Tg) and microhardness of montmorillonite/vinylester increased with increase in montmorillonite loading. Tensile strength, interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, impact strength and fatigue life of vinylester/glass increased by the addition of 4 wt% montmorillonite. Thermogravimetric analysis showed decrease in thermal degradation in 4 wt%/montmorillonite/vinylester compared to 2 wt%/montmorillonite/vinylester. Horizontal and vertical burning rates of vinylester/glass decreased with the addition of montmorillonite. Limiting oxygen index increased by 18% and 25% with the addition of 8 wt% montmorillonite to vinylester and vinylester/glass respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study montmorillonite, vinylester and glass fibre interfacial strengths and the fatigue damage mechanism. </jats:p