Effect of Modified-Nanoclay on Thermal Behavior of Low Molar Ratio

Urea-Formaldehyde Resins

I. Objectives
To investigate the influence of addition of modified-nanoclay on thermal behavior and
properties of UF resins
II. TMI-Nanoclay preparation
- Mix bentonite + water (2g:40 ml) for 24 h, filtrated the sample, and place in 1M NaCl
for 48 h, then filtrated.
- The sample is dried in the oven at 80 °C for 12 h, then mix with 0.3 M CuCl 2 at 80 °C
for 3 h.
- The sample is dried in the oven at 80 °C for 12 h and then crush and sieved into
nanosized clay.
III. UF resin synthesis
- Liquid UF resin: F/U mole ratios 1.0
- Different levels of TMI-Bentonite (1, 3, 5% based on UF solids content) are mixed
during alkaline stage of UF resins synthesis
- Properties: non-volatile solids content, gelation time, viscosity, specific gravity
IV. Thermal curing behavior of liquid and solid UF resins
1. Investigate chemical curing/cure kinetic of modified-UF resins (pressurized DSC)
- F/U mole ratio: 1.0
- Heating rate: 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 °C/min from 30 °C to 200 °C
- NH4Cl levels: 3% (based on solids content of UF resins)
2. Investigate mechanical curing of modified-UF resins (DMA)
- Dynamic scans, heating rate: 5 °C/min, 30 °C to 300 °C
- Isothermal scans, heating rate: 150 °C for 1 h, 130 °C for 1.5 h and 110 °C for 2 h
V. Characterization of modified-UF resins
1. FT-IR spectroscopy
- Investigate change of the functional groups of modified-UF resins.
VI. Expected results
- TMI-bentonite nanoclay could decrease the gelation time of UF resins.
- TMI-bentonite nanoclay could decrease the activation energy UF curing reaction.
- TMI-bentonite nanoclay could increase the cross-linking density and storage modulus
of UF resins.