Abstract
SynopsisPhenolic nanocomposites were prepared from high molecular weight novolac and organo-montmorillonite by the use of solid-phase shear continuous kneader. At first, the kneading conditions were studied in order to intercalate the novolac into the layers of organo-montmorillonite. As a result, the novolac could be intercalated into the layers under the kneading conditions as follows; the viscosity of the novolac was above 105 Pa･s at 100ºC, the number of kneading was 2 or 3 times.Secondly, nanocomposites were prepared by compression molding of the kneaded compound and curing agent. Structure and properties of these nanocomposites were studied. According to the investigation of XRD and TEM, it was found that the distance of the layers was increased from 1.84 nm to about 4.3-4.4 nm by the insertion of phenolic resin into the organomontmorillonite layers. When the compound was kneaded 2 or 3 times, the resulting nanocomposite had best tensile strength. But, at 4 times kneading, the aspect ratio of organo-montmorillonite was decreased, and the tensile strength and heat resistance of the nanocomposite were inferior to those of others.
