Session: Carbon Allotropes, Materials, Devices & Switches:

Nanoclays have been at the forefront of research because of their high surface functionality, ability for enhanced mechanical properties, and their sustainable and economic impact. They are composed of a variety of nanoparticles of layered silicates. In this study three nanoclays sporting different morphologies were analyzed and compared on their ability to be functionalized with an epoxy organosilane to determine the most optimal for functionalization. The three nanoclays in question were: Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT), Bentonite (BNT), and Nanosilica. HNT has a tubular shape, BNT is in the form of platelets, and nanosilica is spherical in shape. These materials will be extensively characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to verify the loading of the epoxy organosilane group and its impact in engineering applications.

Ermias Koricho

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