Cloisite clay-infused phenolic foam nanocomposites

A sonochemical technique was developed to infuse Cloisite clay nanoparticles into phenolic foam materials. Phenolic resin solution (Part A) was mixed with clay particles, and irradiated using a high intensity ultrasonic liquid processor. In the next step, the modified phenolic resin solution containing clay particles was mixed with Part B (containing phenol sulfonic acid, catalyst) through a highspeed mechanical stirrer. The reaction mixture was then cast into rectangular molds to make nanophased foam panels. Test coupons were cut precisely from the panels to carry out thermal, morphological, and mechanical characterizations. The as-prepared foam samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The SEM studies have shown that the particles are well dispersed over the entire volume of the matrix with minimal agglomeration. The foam cells structures are well-ordered and uniform in size and shape. The TGA and DSC analyses show that the nanophased foams are thermally more stable than the corresponding neat system. Quasistatic compression tests have been carried out for both nanophased and neat foams systems. The test results show that there is a significant increase (approximately in the range of 150-180%) in the compressive strength and modulus of the nanophased foams over the neat system. This improvement in compressive properties has been noted repeatedly for multiple batches and with a minimum of three specimens tested from each batch. Details of the synthesis, thermal and mechanical characterization are presented in this paper. (C) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 308-314, 2007