Characterization of Nano-Clay Reinforced Polymer Composites: Enhancing Performance for Extreme Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 02 | Page : 105 114
    By

    Jaya Christiyan K G,

  • Ashwin Sailesh,

  • C. Karpagavalli,

  • V. Kavimani,

  • A.Vijayalakshmi,

  • J. Sharmila,

  • G.S.V. Seshu Kumar,

  • Richa Khare,

  • K.Sargunan,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sairam Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Ramco Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Prathyusha Engineering College, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, R. M. K. Engineering College, Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRKR Engineering College, Bhim avaram, Andhra Pradesh, India
  8. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Amity School of Applied Sciences, Amity University ,Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
  9. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science and Technology Technical Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, kerala, India

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and chemical resistance properties of nano-clay-reinforced polymer composites and polymer concrete. The incorporation of 1-5 wt% nano-clay resulted in a significant enhancement across all properties. Mechanical testing revealed a 42.86% increase in tensile strength (35 MPa to 50 MPa), 40% improvement in flexural strength (50 MPa to 70 MPa), and 46.67% rise in compressive strength (75 MPa to 110 MPa), attributed to effective stress transfer and crack resistance provided by the nano-clay layers. The chemical structure and composition of nano-clay play a critical role in its interaction with polymer matrices. Organically modified nano-clays, such as montmorillonite (MMT), enhance compatibility with polymer chains through functional groups that promote intercalation and exfoliation. These interactions significantly affect the dispersion quality and interfacial bonding, which are crucial for stress transfer and load-bearing capacity. The presence of hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional groups determines the clay’s affinity with different polymers, influencing the composite’s mechanical and thermal performance. Thermal stability improved, with the decomposition temperature increasing by 16.67% (300°C to 350°C) and glass transition temperature rising by 25% (60°C to 75°C), demonstrating the barrier effect of nano-clay against heat transfer. Water absorption tests showed a 63.64% reduction in weight gain after 72 hours (5.5% to 2.0%), indicating enhanced durability in humid environments. Chemical resistance testing revealed remarkable improvements, with weight loss reduced by 73.33% in acidic conditions (3.0% to 0.8%), 80% in alkaline environments (2.5% to 0.5%), and 83.33% in saline solutions (1.8% to 0.3%). These results highlight the effectiveness of nano-clay in enhancing the structural, thermal, and durability characteristics of polymers, making them suitable for high-performance applications in construction, marine, aerospace, and chemical industries. The study underscores the potential of nano-clay-reinforced systems for replacing traditional materials in demanding environments.

Keywords: Nano-clay reinforcement, polymer composites, mechanical properties, thermal stability, chemical resistance.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Jaya Christiyan K G, Ashwin Sailesh, C. Karpagavalli, V. Kavimani, A.Vijayalakshmi, J. Sharmila, G.S.V. Seshu Kumar, Richa Khare, K.Sargunan. Characterization of Nano-Clay Reinforced Polymer Composites: Enhancing Performance for Extreme Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):105-114.
How to cite this URL:
Jaya Christiyan K G, Ashwin Sailesh, C. Karpagavalli, V. Kavimani, A.Vijayalakshmi, J. Sharmila, G.S.V. Seshu Kumar, Richa Khare, K.Sargunan. Characterization of Nano-Clay Reinforced Polymer Composites: Enhancing Performance for Extreme Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(02):105-114. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=198132


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 02
Received 13/12/2024
Accepted 10/01/2025
Published 23/01/2025
Publication Time 41 Days
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