Epoxy-Modified Mesua ferrea L. Seed-Oil-Based Polyester/Clay Nanocomposites

The nanocomposites of epoxy-modified Mesua ferrea L. seed-oil-based polyester resin were designed with 0-5 wt% loadings of organophillic montmorrilonite (OMMT). X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy studies revealed very good dispersion of OMMT with exfoliated structure in the matrix. The effects of OMMT on the curing, thermal, mechanical, and rheological behaviors of the nanocomposites were also investigated. Two times' improvement in tensile strength, 2 kg increment in scratch hardness, and 68 degrees C enhancement in thermal degradation temperature were obtained for the nanocomposites with 5 wt% OMMT loading compared to pristine polyester.