Influence of blend composition and nanoclay in the structure of IIR/EPDM composite

What is it about?

A melt mixing method was used for preparation of immiscible IIR/EPDM blends and their polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) containing cloisite 15A (C15A) nanoparticles. The morphology of nanocomposites was characterized by FTIR and SEM techniques. Dispersion of nanoclay in IIR/EPDM blends was studied by TEM and XRD analyses. Curing data of the prepared nano-composites showed a decrease in scorch time (t5) and optimum cure time (t90) with increasing the nanoclay content. Intercalation of rubber chains into the organoclay (OC) silicate layers was specified by d-spacing amount estimated according to the XRD results. Based on XRD results, a leftward shift towards lower diffraction angles in the OC characteristic peak was observed, indicating an increase in the d-spacing values in comparison with the pure OC. It confirms the intercalation of elastomer chains into the nanoclay galleries. The mechanical properties of the PNCs specimens including hardness, fatigue strength, elongation at break, modulus and tensile strength were found to be better with increasing the nanoclay content. Also, resilience of the PNCs decreased

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The mechanical properties of the PNCs specimens including hardness, fatigue strength, elongation at break, modulus and tensile strength are very important in polymer and rubber industries.

Perspectives