Addition Of Coupling Agent Research Articles

Direct visualization of stretch-induced phase separation in methoxy silyl-terminated polypropylene oxide/epoxy resin-type polymer alloys via AFM nanomechanics: A toughening mechanism

Methoxy silyl-terminated polypropylene oxide (MS-PPO) has been widely used as an adhesive between different materials and has resulted in substantially improved elongation properties by alloying with epoxy resins (EPX). The fracture stress of MS-PPO/EPX polymer alloys can also be significantly increased by the further addition of silane coupling agents. However, the microscopic mechanisms underlying the toughening of such polymer alloys have not been clarified due to the lack of characterization of the microscopic mechanical properties. In this study, we characterized the nanoscale mechanical properties of MS-PPO/EPX polymer alloys using atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanomechanics. We found that silane coupling agents increased the compatibility of MS-PPO and EPX, leading to the nanoscale dispersion of EPX in MS-PPO, forming a MS-PPO-rich phase matrix. By tracing the microscopic stress distribution and deformation behavior of these materials using AFM nanomechanics, it was found that polymer alloys with different compositions exhibited different microscopic toughening mechanisms. Microscopic stretch-induced phase separation (SIPS) occurred in the MS-PPO-rich phase matrix, resulting in improved macroscopic tensile properties. The SIPS phenomenon is crucial for alloy toughening, providing new insights into the toughening mechanism of polymer alloys.

An ultra-low infrared emissivity composite coating with outstanding mechanical properties and salt water resistance

An ultra-low infrared emissivity composite coating with outstanding mechanical properties and salt water resistance was prepared by using epoxy resin, flake Al powders, KH560 and dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as resin matrix, functional pigments, and modifiers, respectively. The effects of Al powder addition, silane coupling agent types, silane coupling agent addition, and DOP addition on the coating performance were discussed. In addition, the salt water resistance of the coating under the optimal formulation conditions was examined. The results show that when the addition amount of Al powder is 50 wt%, the coating has lowest infrared emissivity (0.025) and glossiness (20.7) properties. By adding a certain amount of KH560 and DOP to the coating formulation, the mechanical properties of the coating can be significantly improved by enhancing the bonding strength between the resin matrix and the pigment, and between the resin matrix and the substrate. When the content of KH560 and DOP in the coating are both 7 wt%, the coating has ultra-low infrared emissivity (0.053), low glossiness (17.3), and outstanding mechanical properties (adhesion strength is grade 1, flexibility is 2 mm, impact strength is 50 kg.cm) at the same time. After the coating with the best formulation was corroded by salt water for 21 days, the emissivity, glossiness, and mechanical properties of the coating had limited changes, which showed that the prepared coating had good salt water resistance.

Sulphate resistance of silane coupling agent reinforced metakaolin geopolymer composites

Sulphate resistance is an important index for evaluating geopolymer durability. This study investigates the beneficial effects of silane coupling agent (SCA) addition on the sulphate corrosion resistance of metakaolin-based geopolymer composites via strength tests and various characterisation techniques such as XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, and 29Si NMR. The results show that the compressive and tensile strengths and corrosion resistance coefficient of the geopolymer first increased, then decreased with increasing SCA dosages. The geopolymer incorporated with the optimum dosage of 0.1 wt% SCA exhibits the highest strengths, fluidity, and sulphate resistance coefficient. SCA addition effectively compacts the pore structure, thus making it difficult for SO42− to invade the matrix. The SEM-EDS diagram reveals that before and after sulphate attack, the Na content of the pure geopolymer decreased from 7.37 wt% to 3.84 wt%, and the mass ratio decreased by 47%. However, the Na content of the geopolymer composite modified with SCA decreased from 5.64 wt% to 4.85 wt%, and the mass ratio only decreased by 14%, indicating that the addition of SCA reduced the Na precipitation rate of the geopolymer in the sulphate environment. The 29Si NMR spectrum also reveals that the addition of SCA inhibits the resonance peak shift from Q4 to Q3 after 56 d of sulphate attack, which indicates improvement in the stability of the three-dimensional network structure in the geopolymer.

Improvement of mechanical and wear resistance property by varying glass fiber contents and amino-silicate coupling agents on polyamide 612 composites

Among the polyamide series polymer materials, PA612 has excellent mechanical properties and low moisture absorption characteristics. This work studied the effect of coupling agent addition on the crystallization behavior, adhesive wear, mechanical, thermal, and morphological attributes of glass fiber (GF) reinforced PA612 composites. Amino-silane was applied as a coupling agent to enhance the interfacial adhesion between glass fiber and the PA612 matrix. The loading level of the coupling agent was changed to 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0wt%, while the GF loading level in the composite material was 10, 15, 20, and 30wt%. The composite materials were analyzed via X-ray diffraction, tribological characterization, and adhesion wear test. The mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties were also investigated. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to study the analytical samples’ wear and fracture surfaces. Test results unveiled that adding 1.0wt% amino-silane coupling agent upgraded the fiber-matrix adhesion, mechanical properties (tensile strength:136 MPa), and corresponding wear resistance of GF reinforced PA612-based composites. Furthermore, it is compatible with pure PA612 substrates and has similar processing rheological behavior. These results reveal that the compiled PA612 matrix is highly viable for tribological applications comprising automotive parts, bearings, and bearing materials for space applications.

Pengaruh Perlakuan Filler Serat Kulit Buah Pinang Menggunakan Silane Coupling Agent terhadap Sifat Fisis dan Mekanis Papan Partikel

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the addition of Silane Coupling Agent on physical properties (density, moisture content, thickness expansion, and water absorption) and flexural strength in the manufacture of areca nut peel fiber particle board with urea formaldehyde adhesive. The betel nut peel fiber was alkalized using NaOH for 2 hours, then mashed using a grinding machine until it passed a 50 mesh sieve. The betel nut skin fibers that have passed the sieve are then treated with a solution of Silane Coupling Agent. The concentration variations of the Silane Coupling Agent solution were 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%. The betel nut peel fiber that has been synthesized with a silane coupling agent solution is then mixed with urea formaldehyde resin in a ratio of 30/70 in weight percent. The particleboard compaction process uses a Hydraulic Cold Press compacting machine with a pressure of 5 bar and a holding time of 120 minutes. The results of this study indicate that the silane coupling agent treatment increases the bond between the matrix and filler as shown in the SEM test on particle boards with 8% silane coupling agent treatment. The results of the particleboard test on density, percentage of moisture content, percentage of thickness development have met the standard of SNI 03-2105-2006. The results of the water absorption test have met the ASTM D 570 standard. The results of the flexural strength test on the SCA 6% variation SNI 03-2105-2006 decorative particle board type 8 and the SCA 8% variation have met the SNI standard 03-2105-2006 structural particle board type 10.5.This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the addition of Silane Coupling Agent on physical properties (density, moisture content, thickness expansion, and water absorption) and flexural strength in the manufacture of areca nut peel fiber particle board with urea formaldehyde adhesive. The betel nut peel fiber was alkalized using NaOH for 2 hours, then mashed using a grinding machine until it passed a 50 mesh sieve. The betel nut skin fibers that have passed the sieve are then treated with a solution of Silane Coupling Agent. The concentration variations of the Silane Coupling Agent solution were 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%. The betel nut peel fiber that has been synthesized with a silane coupling agent solution is then mixed with urea formaldehyde resin in a ratio of 30/70 in weight percent. The particleboard compaction process uses a Hydraulic Cold Press compacting machine with a pressure of 5 bar and a holding time of 120 minutes. The results of this study indicate that the silane coupling agent treatment increases the bond between the matrix and filler as shown in the SEM test on particle boards with 8% silane coupling agent treatment. The results of the particleboard test on density, percentage of moisture content, percentage of thickness development have met the standard of SNI 03-2105-2006. The results of the water absorption test have met the ASTM D 570 standard. The results of the flexural strength test on the SCA 6% variation SNI 03-2105-2006 decorative particle board type 8 and the SCA 8% variation have met the SNI standard 03-2105-2006 structural particle board type 10.5.

Biobased plasticizer and cellulose nanocrystals improve mechanical properties of polylactic acid composites

Biopolymers are a fundamental part of contemporary life due to their biodegradable and biocompatible nature. Among different biopolymers, polylactic acid (PLA) with ease of processability, is one of the most commercially available biopolymers used in additive manufacturing. However, the low ductility and impact strength limits its application in commercial plastic products. One of the methods to enhance the ductility of PLA is addition of biobased reinforcing agents and plasticizers. The objective of this research is to use biobased materials for improving the mechanical properties of PLA composites. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were selected as reinforcing agents, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticizer and maleic anhydride (MA) as a coupling agent. Biocomposites containing distillers DDGS (10%), CNC (0.25–1%), PEG (2%), maleic anhydride (0.25%) and PLA (86.75–87.75%) were manufactured using melt blending. To investigate the effects of CNC, PEG, and MA on PLA composites the morphological, ductile, and mechanical, properties of the composites were examined. Morphological changes were characterized by using optical microscopic images, mechanical properties by differential scanning calorimetry and ductility by tensile testing. The results demonstrate that addition of CNC and PEG to PLA improved its mechanical and ductile properties whereas maleic anhydride helped in dispersion of CNC. The observed improvements were attributed to the increased DDGS-CNC-matrix interactions. Optical microscopy also revealed some non-uniform dispersion of CNC. Overall, the results suggest that addition of CNC, plasticizer and coupling agent can aid in improving the physical, mechanical properties of PLA composites.

Effect of the silane coupling agent on the physicomechanical properties of EPDM/SBR/AL2O3 rubber blend nanocomposites

In this study, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM)/styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) blend nanocomposites filled with alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles were prepared. Al2O3 nanoparticles were used with or without surface treatment by the silane coupling agent bis[3 (triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide, and Al2O3 nanoparticle–filled EPDM/SBR was compared with carbon black. The influences of the filler type, size, concentration, and surface property on the curing characteristics, degree of filler dispersion, mechanical properties, and morphological characteristics of the EPDM/SBR nanocomposites were investigated. We found that the mechanical and curing properties of the nanocomposites were enhanced owing to the presence of Al2O3 nanoparticles. The addition of the silane coupling agent further improved the properties of the nanocomposites.

Evaluation of Physical Properties of Zirconia Suspension with Added Silane Coupling Agent for Additive Manufacturing Processes.

In this study, we have analysed the effects of a silane coupling agent on the volume fraction of zirconia for digital light processing (DLP)-based additive manufacturing processes. Zirconia suspension was prepared by the incorporation of silane-modified zirconia particles (experimental group) or untreated zirconia particles (control group). Furthermore, the control and experimental group were subdivided into three groups based on the volume fraction (52, 54, and 56 vol%) of zirconia particles. The disk-shaped zirconia samples were 3D (three-dimensional) printed using the DLP technique and their physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. The addition of a silane coupling agent to the zirconia samples was found to have influence of about 6% on the hardness and biaxial flexural strength. Moreover, the decrease in minute air gaps inside the zirconia layers significantly increased the material density (visualized from the microstructure analysis). Thus, from this study, it was established that the silane-modified zirconia particles had a positive effect on the physical properties of the zirconia parts.

The Importance of Fiber/Matrix Adhesion and Annealing Process in Water Uptake of PLA/PMMA Matrix Composites Reinforced with Sisal Fibers: The Effect of Coupling Agent Addition

ABSTRACT With the aim to open new applications possibilities to novel biocomposites based on PLA/PMMA matrix and reinforced with sisal fibers, it was studied the effect of water immersion aging on biocomposite tensile properties. In the current study it was evidenced the importance of the annealing process and fiber/matrix adhesion on the mechanical performance of composites after immersing in water for around 7 months. The presence of the copolymer and the annealing process led to the minor extent of damage of mechanical properties of prepared biocomposites. Results obtained in the current study suggested that although the amount of copolymer incorporated in composites was low, the presence of copolymer is crucial to improve fiber/matrix adhesion and consequently the mechanical performance of composites after immersing in water. It was observed that even though the water uptake damaged the interfacial adhesion, leading to the tensile strength reduction; however, annealed composite with 30 wt% of fiber and modified with the copolymer showed a strength value of around 53.5 MPa. It must highlighted that even though water aged for 7 months, the annealed composite with copolymer showed yet a higher strength value than dried commercial mineral-filled PP composites reported in the literature.

Recent Developments in Natural Fiber as Reinforcement in Polymeric Composites: A Review

In recent years, research on replacing manufactured fibers such as glass fibers with natural fibers as reinforcement in polymeric composites has increased rapidly. Natural fibers are an important by-product with many advantages such as abundance, biodegradability, flexibility during processing, minimal health hazards, relatively high tensile and flexural modulus, low density, low cost, and recyclability. Although natural fibers possess many advantages, as mentioned above, they suffer from some drawbacks while used in polymer matrix composites. Therefore, it is necessary to modify the fiber surface by suitable chemical treatment. The fibers had to be treated with sodium hydroxide to improve the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix, which optimized the mechanical and physical properties of these composites. Maleic anhydride was added to the composites to improve fiber composite compatibility and also to improve the properties of the composites. The main objective of this review, study the different properties of a cost-effective and eco-friendly composite material. This material consisting of natural fiber as the reinforcing component and polymeric materials as the matrix. In this review, the effects of natural fiber content, alkali treatment, and the addition of coupling agent on the composite properties were performed.

Optimized mechanical and impact performance of high strength tempo oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF)—epoxy laminates

In this work, TEMPO cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) laminates were fabricated using a layup method. Two different TOCNF layers were tested, a neat TOCNF and a TOCNF with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) strengthening aid with four different epoxy formulations as interlayers for the laminates. Flexural testing showed a correlation between the presence of stronger layers (TOCNFs + PVA) in the laminate with a higher flexural strength, bending modulus, and work of failure. Different modes of fracture within the laminates occurred based on epoxy type. A stiffer epoxy generated a reduced mechanical response and substantial intralayer damage. On the other hand, a more ductile epoxy increased the WOF of the laminates, inducing a higher delamination at the interface. The addition of a silane coupling agent (APTES) resulted in a higher compatibility between the TOCNFs and epoxy, generating an increased ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and a decreased energy to rupture associated with the reduction of crack digression mechanisms in the system. In general, laminates with stronger TOCNF layers (TOCNF + PVA) and increased adhesion (APTES), showed a flexural strength increase of 61%, a bending modulus increase of 80% and the same work of failure when compared with the original laminates. Finally, impact testing of TOCNF materials was performed for the first time in literature, the specific energy to rupture of laminates was comparable to those achieved by acrylic and borosilicate glass, while maintaining a higher or similar specific strength to glass. Laminates showed good transparency and low haziness.Graphic abstract

Effect of plasma-polymerised acetylene-coated silica on the compound properties of natural rubber composites

Silica-filled natural rubber (NR) encounters incompatibility problems, owing to the strong particle-particle interaction arising from the hydrogen bonds of hydroxyl groups, which generally leads to the formation of agglomerates. The addition of coupling agents, especially silane coupling agents, reduces the agglomeration. However, this has some disadvantages, such as toxicity, a risk of pre-curing, and the generation of ethanol during mixing. This work aims to focus on the effect of filling the plasma-polymerisation of polyacetylene-coated silica into natural rubber compounds. The deposition of plasma-polymerised acetylene applied to silica particles was firstly carried out using a radio frequency (RF) with an input power of 20 kW for 60 min and further incorporated into NR compounds. On the surface of the coated silica analysis, the formation of a polyacetylene layer on the silica surface was obviously confirmed that it exhibited more stability in water. The following polyacetylene-coated silica (PA-coated silica)-filled NR compound properties were analysed: mixing energy and temperature, Payne effect, complex viscosity, and cure characteristics. The NR compounds mixed with PA-coated silica showed a lower mixing torque, dumping temperature, Payne effect, and viscosity, when compared to NR compounds with unmodified silica and ordinary silane systems. However, the differences were insignificantly noticed in the cure characteristics of the compounds. Polyacetylene-coated silica developed from plasma polymerisation can be used to improve the uniformity of dispersion, as well as the compatibility of silica in a natural-rubber matrix, without changing its cure characteristics, compared to the one with a silane coupling agent.

Binary Green Blends of Poly(lactic acid) with Poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) and Poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) and Their Nanocomposites.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most widely produced biobased, biodegradable and biocompatible polyester. Despite many of its properties are similar to those of common petroleum-based polymers, some drawbacks limit its utilization, especially high brittleness and low toughness. To overcome these problems and improve the ductility and the impact resistance, PLA is often blended with other biobased and biodegradable polymers. For this purpose, poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA) are very advantageous copolymers, because their toughness and elongation at break are complementary to those of PLA. Similar to PLA, both these copolymers are biodegradable and can be produced from annual renewable resources. This literature review aims to collect results on the mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of PLA/PBAT and PLA/PBSA blends, as binary blends with and without addition of coupling agents. The effect of different compatibilizers on the PLA/PBAT and PLA/PBSA blends properties is here elucidated, to highlight how the PLA toughness and ductility can be improved and tuned by using appropriate additives. In addition, the incorporation of solid nanoparticles to the PLA/PBAT and PLA/PBSA blends is discussed in detail, to demonstrate how the nanofillers can act as morphology stabilizers, and so improve the properties of these PLA-based formulations, especially mechanical performance, thermal stability and gas/vapor barrier properties. Key points about the biodegradation of the blends and the nanocomposites are presented, together with current applications of these novel green materials.

Improving impedance matching of flaky carbonyl iron based on the surface modification by binary coupling agents

In this paper, the impedance matching of the flaky carbonyl iron was improved by surface modification with binary coupling agents. The microstructure, phase and electromagnetic parameters were detected by Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Agilent vector network analyzer, respectively. After binary coupling agent applied, the shape and particle size of the flaky carbonyl iron particle (CIP) have changed significantly, whereas the phase remained \({\alpha }\)-Fe phase. On the other hand, with the addition of binary coupling agents, the complex permittivity of flaky CIP is reduced, which is beneficial to impedance matching. The doping with 2wt% calcium stearate and 2 ml titanate to flaky CIP has a minimum reflection loss peak of − 13 dB at the thickness of 2 mm. It is noted that the effective absorption bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) is up to 0.8 GHz (1.8 ~ 2.6 GHz). Moreover, the magnetic tangent loss of the samples can be significantly improved by the addition of binary coupling agents. Therefore, the surface modification of binary coupling agent can make flaky CIP get better impedance matching and absorbing performance in S band.

Effect of silane coupling agents on flowability and compressibility of compound for bonded NdFeB magnet

Based on the difference of the Y-terminal functional group of the silane coupling agent (Y–Si(X)3), four different silane coupling agents were employed to pretreat the surface of the NdFeB powders. The effects of silane coupling agents on the flowability and compressibility of compounds for preparing bonded NdFeB magnets were studied. It is indicated that compounds pretreated by silane coupling agents have weaker friction and meshing force. The apparent density is increased by 0.3 g/cm3 compared with the compound without silane coupling agent, and the radial crushing strength is significantly increased by about 3–4 times. In addition, the epoxy resin is more evenly distributed on the surface of the compounds treated by silane coupling agents observed by scanning electron microscopy, and some agglomerated particles are produced. Also, the compressibility of compounds with silane coupling agents is significantly improved due to the fact that hardening exponents are reduced. However, the addition of silane coupling agents has almost no effect on the magnetic properties of bonded magnets. The special energy was used to manifest the flowability of magnetic powder particles representing the macroscopic performance of the force between powder particles, providing a new direction for the study of the interface compatibility of two-phase or multiphase composite materials.

High-density polyethylene composite filled with red mud: effect of coupling agent on mechanical and thermal properties

ABSTRACT In this study, red mud (RM) was modified with titanate coupling agent (triisostearoyl isopropoxy titanate, KR-TTS), and then the modified RM was melted blending with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to prepare HDPE-based composite. The action mechanism of KR-TTS on the properties of HDPE composites was analysed combining with the movement mode of polyethylene macromolecular chain segments. The entanglement and mechanical interlocking of long alkyl chains of titanate coupling agent and the polyethylene molecular chains occurs in modified RM/HDPE composite, reflected by fracture morphology within tension process. The stronger interface interaction results in a decrease of polyethylene molecular chain segments motion under external loading, externally expressed as higher tensile strength and tensile modulus as well as storage modulus. Meanwhile, KR-TTS imparts modified RM/HDPE composite with higher elongation at break of uniaxial tension and lower damping ratio. The impact strength presents an improvement from 5.62 kJ/m2 of RM/HDPE composite to 6.56 kJ/m2 of modified RM/HDPE composite due to stronger interface strength. And modified RM/HDPE composite appears higher thermal stability, attributed to better particles dispersion and higher interface adhesion. Differential scanning calorimetric analysis shows that with the addition of coupling agent, the melt enthalpy of modified RM/HDPE composite decreases, indicating a decrement in the crystallinity of polyethylene composites (from 70.2% of RM/HDPE to 63.1% of modified RM/HDPE), resulted from the retarded stacking speed of chain segments into the crystal lattice during crystal growth.

Thermal properties of metakaolin-based geopolymer modified by the silane coupling agent

In this work, metakaolin-based geopolymer was modified by the silane coupling agent. The effect of the silane coupling agent on the thermal resistance of metakaolin-based geopolymer was studied by linear shrinkage, mechanical properties, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope testing methods. Results show that the addition of the silane coupling agent did not change the mineral composition and refine the pore size of the geopolymer, but an appropriate amount of addition can reduce the shrinkage of samples exposed to high temperatures. The specimens with 0.2 wt% silane coupling agent (SAMG-0.2) achieves the best performance when exposed to 200 °C. Meanwhile, compressive strength reached 65.1 MP and was 10.2% higher than pure metakaolin-based geopolymer. The compressive strength of SAMG-0.2 was higher than the reference group at each exposure temperature. The silanol group provided by the silane coupling agent reacts with geopolymer, enriching the gel phase of geopolymer and improving the stability under high temperatures.

Melt rheological behaviour of high-density polyethylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites

The present study explains the preparation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based nanocomposites containing different amounts of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay (1–10 wt%). These nanocomposites were obtained by melt blending in a co-rotating twin screw extruder in absence and presence of a compatibiliser (HDPE-g-MA). The melt rheological behaviour of HDPE/MMT nanocomposites has been investigated by using capillary rheometer at 190°C, 200°C and 210°C over the shear rate range of 50–1000 s−1. The melt viscosity of HDPE increased marginally at 10 wt% filler loading while addition of compatibiliser to HDPE/MMT composites did not show any significant effect on viscosity. All nanocomposites showed shear thinning and non-Newtonian flow behaviour. The power law index reduced with increase in MMT concentration and increased with increase in temperature while opposite trend was observed for the consistency index. The activation energy was highest for the nanocomposites containing 10 wt% MMT and decreased upon addition of coupling agent.

Effect of alkali treatment and coupling agent on thermal and mechanical properties of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes fibers reinforced HDPE composites

In this work, Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fibers were used as natural reinforcement to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix to valorize unexploited Moroccan natural resources in composites applications. Composites specimens were prepared by combining extruder and injection molding processes using various fibers loadings (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%). OFI fibers were alkali treated to clean their surfaces from non-cellulosic compounds, and styrene–(ethylene–butene)–styrene three-block copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) is used as coupling agent to graft maleic groups in the surface of matrix. Combined effects of both treatments on thermal and mechanical properties of prepared composites were investigated. Results showed that the alkali treatment proves to be more effective in improving interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix, which positively influences the hardness and Young’s modulus properties of composites without SEBS-g-MA, while the addition of coupling agent increased composites plasticity and thermal stability owing to the chemical bond formation at fibers–matrix interface.

Effect of Nanosilica and Crosslinking System on the Mechanical Properties and Swelling Resistance of EPDM/SBR Nanocomposites with and without TESPT

The ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/styrene-butadiene rubber (EPDM/SBR)-nanosilica (SiO2) nanocomposite was prepared. The 0–10 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of SiO2 with EPDM/SBR was mixed on a two-roll mill. The effect of nanosilica (0–10 phr), crosslinking system (sulphur, dicumyl peroxide and mixed) and silane coupling agent (bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)-tetrasulphide) on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties, rebound resilience, compression characteristics, abrasion, swelling property and morphological characteristics of the EPDM/SBR-SiO2 nanocomposites was investigated and studied. From the results, it was clear that the mechanical, wear and swelling properties steps-up with increase in the content of nanosilica particles in it. The sulphur cured rubber composite exhibits an overall improved properties as compared with other crosslinking agents such as peroxide and mixed systems. The addition of silane coupling agent (SCA) enhances the properties of the nanocomposites to a greater extent. From the analysis, it was clear that the effect of nanosilica concentration in the rubber composite with SCA was found to be superior compared to nanocomposites without it.