Organic rectorite-modified unsaturated polyester resin composites

In this study, rectorite (REC), being a type of layered silicates, has been applied to the polymer to improve its properties. The glass fiber-reinforced polymer-layered silicate clay composites are a new option to modify the properties of the polymer. In the present study, unsaturated polyester resins (UP) are modified by organic rectorite (OREC) to improve the mechanical properties of UP and fiber-reinforced UP (UP/F) composites. The influences of OREC on the gel time, viscosity, and reaction mechanism of UP are discussed. The chemical structures and microstructures of OREC and OREC-modified UP (OREC/UP) are analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The fracture morphologies of OREC/UP and glass fiber-reinforced OREC/UP (OREC/UP/F) composites are observed by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties, the resistance to medium, and the ultraviolet aging of OREC/UP and OREC/UP/F composites are investigated. Additionally, the heat distortion temperature of OREC/UP and the hot-air aging of OREC/UP/F composites are also measured. The results indicate that the addition of OREC can increase the gel time and viscosity. The mechanical properties as well as other properties of pure UP and UP/F composites can be improved by adding OREC, and the comprehensive properties of OREC/UP/F composites containing 2wt% OREC are optimal among the prepared ternary composites.