A Review on Curing Study of Clay-Based Polymer Nanocomposites by Non-isothermal Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Clay-based polymer nanocomposites have gained significant attention due to their enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties, making them promising materials for various industrial applications. The curing process, crucial in determining the final properties of these nanocomposites, has been extensively studied. This review presents a comprehensive exploration of the isoconvesional methods utilised to characterize the curing kinetics of clay-based polymer nanocomposites. The review begins by elucidating the fundamental principles underlying the curing process and its significance in tailoring the properties of nanocomposites. Furthermore, the review focuses on the application of model-free kinetic approaches such as isoconversional methods (e.g., Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose, Friedman, and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall methods) to study the curing kinetics of different clay-based polymer nanocomposites. It discusses the strengths and limitations of these methods in accurately describing the complex curing processes and elucidating the influence of clay nanoparticles on kinetics. Moreover, the review explores the influence of various factors, including clay type, loading concentration, resin type, and processing parameters, on the curing kinetics and final properties of epoxy nanocomposites. Insights derived from the analysis of the literature help identify trends, challenges, and future directions in this field, paving the way for the optimization and development of advanced clay-based epoxy nanocomposites.