SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF EPOXYPHILIC MONTMORILLONITES

'Epoxyphilic' montmorillonites were prepared containing various functi onal groups which can react with one or both of the components in amin e-cured epoxy formulations. The preparation involves the ion exchange of six organic ammonium compounds containing either carboxylic acid, a nhydride, phenolic hydroxyl, alcoholic hydroxyl, amide or amine functi onal groups. X-ray diffraction. elemental analysis and FTIR studies co nfirm the intercalation of the organic cations to form epoxyphilic mon tmorillonites. The adsorption behaviour of the modified montmorillonit es are compared with the unmodified montmorillonite in an epoxy resin before and after the curing process.