Compatibilized ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer nanocomposites containing different type of organoclays

Abstract

Summary — The simple mixing of non-polar rubber and organically modified nanoclay may not lead to good dispersion of organoclay in the rubber matrix, which is due to the incompatibility between the rubber and the filler. Thus, the application of polar compatibilizer which is compatible with both the gum base and organically modified clay may help to increase the reinforcing efficiency of the organoclay. Oil extended carboxylated styrene-butadiene rubber (XSBR) was used as a compatibilizer for the dispersion of the organically modified clay (Cloisite 15A, Cloisite 20A and Cloisite 30B) in the ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) matrix. The degree of dispersion of organoclays in non-polar EPDM matrix after application of polar compatibilizer as well as the influence of these organoclays on the properties of nanocomposites based on EPDM were analyzed in this study. The microstructure of the organoclay filled EPDM composites was studied by wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) method and high resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) analysis. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and curing tests were conducted for each nanocomposite. Cloisite 30B filled EPDM composite showed best thermal, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties compared to all other investigated nanocomposites.