Preparation of modified montmorillonite-stabilized epoxy resin emulsions and their cured properties

Abstract

A modified amine chain segment was synthesized through a reaction between polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bisphenol A epoxy resin. Subsequently, organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared via ammonium salt formation under acidic conditions. Using phase inversion technology, an epoxy resin/organic montmorillonite composite emulsion was successfully fabricated, employing a minimal amount of an epoxy emulsifier with OMMT as a co-emulsifier. Thermal curing of this emulsion yielded the final OMMT/epoxy resin composites. Structural characterization was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to confirm the chemical composition of the synthesized amine. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the successful intercalation and exfoliation of montmorillonite during organic modification. The emulsion system was further evaluated through dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential measurements, which demonstrated that OMMT incorporation significantly enhanced emulsion stability by optimizing particle size distribution and increasing surface charge density. Thermal analysis revealed notable improvements in the thermomechanical properties of the composites, confirming the reinforcing effect of OMMT within the epoxy matrix.