Mechanical, Thermal, and Microstructural Analysis of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Montmorillonite Nanocomposites. (28th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allison, P. G.; Moser, R. D.; Chandler, M. Q.; Caminero-Rodriguez, J. A.; Torres-Cancel, K.; Rivera, O. G.; Goodwin, J. R.; Gore, E. R.; Weiss, C. A.
• Other Names: Jian Sheng-Rui Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nanomaterials. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-04-28
• Subjects: Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanomatériaux; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Nanostructures; Nanotechnology; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 620.115
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/291248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-4110

Abstract

Abstract : Structural biomaterials such as nacre, bone, and fish scales possess unique structures that have hierarchical spatial configurations, which provide excellent mechanical properties when compared to their individual constituents. These observations have been the motivation for designing and characterizing bioinspired materials with high strength, high stiffness, and corrosion-resistant properties while at the same time being environmentally friendly. It has been demonstrated that polymer-clay nanocomposites can simulate the behavior of nacreous biomaterials such as abalone shell. Mechanical, thermal, and microstructural analyses characterized solution-cast polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite properties over compositions ranging from the neat polymer to 25% volume fraction of MMT nanoclay. Uniaxial tensile experiments were performed at displacement rates of 1 mm/min and 50 mm/min. Strength values are similar to those shown by nacre and represent a homogeneous dispersion of the MMT in the polymer matrix. Strength-to-weight ratios are similar to many structural metals.