Interfacial bonding characteristic of nanoclay/polymer composites

[Display omitted] ► FTIR analysis revealed that silicon in nanoclay does react with epoxy. ► FTIR spectrum in nano-composite is assigned to Si–O–R, Si–CH2–R, Si–C and siloxanes. ► XPS analysis proves that C atoms were substituted with O atom, Si atoms and Al atoms. ► The chemical bonding at the interface between the matrix and nanoclay did exist. Using a small amount of nanoclay (montmorillonite (MMT)) can significantly enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer-based composites. Therefore, an in depth understanding of the bonding characteristic between the nanoclay and its surrounding matrix is essential. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted to analyze the chemical composition between epoxy matrix and nanocomposite. These experiments revealed that a chemical bonding at an interface between the matrix and nanoclay of the composites did exist. Thus, such bonding can enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of resultant polymer composites as reported in many literatures.