Effect of nanoclay on the mechanical properties of EVA SBR CB and EPDM SBR blend nanocomposites

Abstract

Nowadays considerable research work is focused on new classes of composites ie nanocomposites obtained by at least one dimension of the reinforcing particles in the nanometer range These polymer nanocomposites have superior properties than the conventional composites The remarkable improvement in polymer nanocomposite properties can be attained with a low loading of nanofiller. In this research work two different nanocomposites were prepared The blends of Poly Ethylene coVinyl Acetate Styrene Butadiene Rubber EVA SBR with Carbon Black CB and Nanoclay NC hybrid fillers treated with and without Mercapto Modified EVA EVALSH were newlineprepared EVA SBR blends filled with 20 phr CB and in varying the nanoclay content The effect of thermal ageing on mechanical properties hardness and abrasion resistance of EVA SBR nanocomposites were also examined The incorporation of nanoclay has improved the cure characteristics, mechanical properties abrasion and swelling resistance of NC or CB NC hybrid fillers filled EVA SBR blend with and without EVALSH The presence of EVALSH in nanocomposites resulted in an improvement in overall properties The maximum increase in the tensile strength of about 70% is obtained for the compatibilized nanocomposite which contains 6 phr of nanoclay in the hybrid filler With the further addition of nanoclay the tensile strength tends to decrease Whereas the other properties such as 100% modulus, tear strength newlinehardness and abrasion resistance increases gradually with increase in the content of nanoclay And the maximum increase in 100% modulus tear strength and hardness is observed in 10 Parts per Hundred Rubber PHR of about 62% 69% and 11% respectively newline newline