Polymers and Polymer Composites

PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF SEMI-TRANSPARENT EPDM/MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES

January 1, 2005 By: Hua Zheng; Yong Zhang; Zonglin Peng; Yinxi Zhang Research article

Title: PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF SEMI-TRANSPARENT EPDM/MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Page Range: p.53-60
Author(s): Hua Zheng; Yong Zhang; Zonglin Peng; Yinxi Zhang
File size: 142K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 13
Issue No: No. 1

Abstract
EPDM/organic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared via a melt-mixing process in an internal mixer. The nanoscale dispersion of OMMT in the EPDM matrix was verified by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, relating to an exfoliated morphology. The effects of OMMT on the mechanical properties, curing behaviour, optical properties and thermal properties of the EPDM/OMMT nanocomposites were studied. Experimental results indicated that the OMMT provided good reinforcement to the EPDM vulcanisates. Tensile strength and tear strength of the nanocomposites significantly increased with increased filler content. The nanocomposite was cured by 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-bis (tert-butyl peroxy) hexane, and was semi-transparent, the OMMT content having little influence on curing behaviour. Increases in glass transition temperature and thermal decomposition temperature were observed, which are claimed to be related to the nanoscale dispersion of the OMMT and the strong interaction between the matrix and filler. In addition, the permeability of oxygen for the nanocomposite is reported to be markedly reduced. 25 refs.


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