In this research, nanoclay reinforced polyester nanocomposites were developed with a semi-commercial process. Two types of nanoclays viz. graded and non-graded nanoclay were used as reinforcements. Each of the nanoclay was added 1 wt. % in polyester separately and the effects of the addition of nanoclay on the polyester were studied by mechanical characterization. Tensile and flexural strength were measured by using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Hardness of the developed nanocomposites

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... as measured by a Shore Hardness Tester. The fracture surfaces were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It is found that the modulus and strength of graded nanoclay reinforced nanocomposite is higher than that of the unreinforced polyester and non-graded nanoclay reinforced nanocomposite. The flexural strength is also found to be higher in the graded nanoclay composites as compared to the unreinforced polyester and non-graded nanoclay reinforced nanocomposite. The hardness of unreinforced polyester and both the nanocomposites are almost same. The fracture morphology of the unreinforced polyester and reinforced nanocomposites and its correlation with mechanical properties are also discussed.