Modification of Phenol Novolac Epoxy Resin and Unsaturated Polyester Using Sasobit and Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanocomposites containing phenol novolac epoxy resin (PNER) were modified by unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and then reinforced using sasobit and silica nanoparticles at different filler loadings via a multi-step manufacturing procedure. Afterward, effect of sasobit and silica loadings either on mechanical and thermal properties or on morphology of nanocomposites were examined. Results showed that increase in silica nanoparticles loading can improve both thermal and mechanical properties, but increase in silica loading more than 3 wt% can lead to decrease in the mechanical properties. In this case, addition of sasobit along with silica not only can improve the mechanical and thermal properties but also it can lead to improve in dispersion quality and morphology of nanocomposites. Eventually, with affordable and environmentally friendly materials such as sasobit, either production procedure or the overall quality and properties of nanocomposites can be improved.