Investigation of dielectric properties of polymer composites with kaolin.

Thermostable nanocomposites based on interpenetrating polymer network kaolin/cyanate ester (BADCy), derived from kaolin, bisphenol A dicyanate, and doped by 1-5 wt% KH550-modified kaolin nanoparticles, were synthesized and characterized using a dielectric strength tester, scanning electron microscope (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis techniques. A suitable addition of kaolin can enhance the mechanical properties, dielectric properties as well as reduce the dielectric loss of kaolin/BADCy copolymer. SEM analysis shows distinct characteristics of ductile fracture of the blends. In addition, the kaolin/BADCy nanocomposites has a better thermal stability compared with BADCy resin with the increasing of kaolin content. The moisture absorption increases linearly with the square root of time, and it follows the Fick’s second law. All these changes in properties are closely correlated to the kaolin/BADCy nanocomposites, which could form an interaction interface structure in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]