Abstract

The influence of smectite clay on the shear resistivity characteristics and thermal decomposition kinetics has been investigated. The kinetic analysis revealed increase in activation energy and decrease of conversion rate for nanocomposite counter-part. The exfoliated phyllosilicate nanoparticles within styrene polymer acted as a mass transport barrier and efficient stress transfer medium as observed from the studies. The static and dynamic mechanical performance showed similar trend corresponding to improved modulus with the phyllosilicate clay incorporation. The actual aspect ratio of the smectite clay particles were determined using Halpin-Tsai equation.

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