Characterization of epoxy resin containing nano clay prepared by electron beam

Epoxy resin is widely used as aerospace, automobile, construction and electronics due to their good mechanical and electrical properties and environmental advantages. However, the inherent flammability of epoxy resin has limited its application in some field where good flame retardancy is required. Nano clay can enhance the properties of polymers such as flames retardancy and thermal stability. In this study, we have investigated the nanoclay filled epoxy composite, which has good flame retardancy while maintaining high mechanical properties. The cured epoxy resins were obtained using an electron beam curing process. The nano clays were dispersed in epoxy acrylate solution and mechanically stirred. The prepared mixtures were irradiated using an electron beam accelerator. The composites were characterized by gel content and thermal/ mechanical properties. Moreover, the flammability of the composite was evaluated by limited oxygen index (LOI). The flame retardancy of nano clay filled epoxy composite was evidently improved