Preparation and Properties Characterization of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks/Organically Modified Montmorillonite/Scrap Leather Fibers Composites

An interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on the anhydride-cured cycloaliphatic epoxy and the trifunctional acrylate resin cross-linked by peroxide was modified by incorporation of organic montmorillonites (OMMTs) and scrap leather fibers (SLFs). OMMTs and SLFs were introduced into IPNs via a violently mechanical stirring technique which provided a very well-dispersed phase of OMMTs and SLFs in matrix. Non-isothermal curing behaviors of IPNs/OMMTs/SLFs composites were investigated by means of the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results of DSC tests showed that the introduction of OMMTs and SLFs into IPNs accelerated the curing reaction of epoxy systems. In comparison with the case of the pristine IPNs, the thermal stability properties, the glass transition temperature, mechanical properties of IPNs/OMMTs/SLFs composites were markedly enhanced. A desirable toughening-strengthening balance of the composites had been obtained at 5 pbw(parts by weight) of OMMTs and 0.5 pbw of SLFs. Significant improvements in performances of IPNs/OMMTs/SLFs composites obtained through the addition of OMMTs and SLFs in IPNs matrix were associated with their good co-reinforcement and co-dispersion effects. The macroscopic properties of the composites were found to be strongly dependent on their concentrations, components, dispersion, and the resulted morphological structures.