EFFECTS OF ADDITION OF NANOCLAY IN PHENOL-FORMALDEHYDE RESINS ON THE PROPERTIES OF LANTANA CAMARA FIBRE COMPOSITES

This work investigated the effect of the modification of phenol-formaldehyde resins using different concentrations of nanoclay on specific physical and mechanical properties of Lantana camara composites. Different concentrations, i.e. 1, 2.5, 4 and 5 wt % nanoclay were added to phenol-formaldehyde adhesive. To ensure uniform distribution, the mixture was stirred mechanically followed by ultrasonication. Following the nanoclay concentrations, the mixtures were labelled accordingly as PF / NC-1, PF / NC-2.5, PF / NC-4 and PF / NC-5. Composites were made from L. camara particles mixed with 12% (w/w) nanoclay-fortified phenol-formaldehyde resins. Lantana camara composites were fabricated in a hydraulic hot press at a pressure of 21 kg cm⁻² and curing temperature 150 °C for 15 min. The physical and mechanical properties of L. camara composites were evaluated following Indian Standards specification IS 3087 (2005). The results revealed that the physical and mechanical properties of L. camara composites improved compared with the composites prepared using unmodified phenol-formaldehyde. Composite prepared using phenolformaldehyde modified with 4% nanoclay showed better performance than the rest of the concentrations. A slight decline in mechanical properties was observed in L. camara composites when 5% nanoclay was used due to accumulation of nanoparticles.