Modified hyperbranched epoxy/clay nanocomposites: A study on thermal, antimicrobial and biodegradation properties

Abstract

Abstract In the present study vegetable oil-based, highly branched polyester modified hyperbranched epoxy nanocomposites were prepared with organically modified montmorillonite clay at different wt.% of clay loadings. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy revealed the partially exfoliated structure of the nanocomposites. Cured nanocomposites exhibited improved properties such as gloss (80 – 95°), scratch hardness (3 – 5 kg), impact strength (60 – 100 cm), tensile strength (8 – 13 MPa), adhesive strength (0.9 – 1.4 × 1010 N m−1), flexibility (< 5 – 3 mm), chemical resistance etc. compared to the pristine system. The nanocomposites exhibited enhanced thermosatbility and antimicrobial activity against different bacterial, fungal and algal strains. The nanocomposites were also found to be biodegradable. The study showed that the nanocomposites have potential to be used as biodegradable antimicrobial thin film materials.