Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis Studies Research Articles

Novel epoxy resin adhesives toughened by functionalized poly (ether ether ketone) s

Epoxy resins are inherently brittle due to their high crosslink density. Hybridization of epoxies with a thermoplastic phase is an effective solution for reducing the brittleness and improving the toughness without impairing the thermal and mechanical properties. The present study focuses on the development of a novel room temperature curable epoxy resin by blending with different proportions of hydroxyl terminated poly (etheretherketone)s (PEEKTOH) as thermoplastic toughening agent. The systems were cured using triethylenetetramine (TETA). Isothermal rheological studies showed that, incorporation of PEEKTOH phases reduced the gelation time of the blend from 175 min to 30 min. The glass transition temperature of the blends were improved marginally (from 74 to 80 °C) as evidenced by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies. The toughened and the unmodified systems were examined for their adhesive properties on aluminium substrates. It was noted that, about 19% improvement in lap shear strength (LSS) was achieved for the toughened adhesive. Higher proportions of PEEKTOH in the epoxy matrix led to increased viscosity which consequently reduced the wetting characteristics, as proven by contact angle measurements. The fracture toughness of the cured blends improved up to 86%. Fracture morphology evaluation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a brittle fracture for the unmodified epoxy and a phase separated morphology for the toughened blends. Transparency was reduced in the toughened formulations due to phase separation of PEEKTOH.

High-temperature resistance and hydrophobic polysiloxane-based polyurethane films with cross-linked structure prepared by the sol-gel process

Polysiloxane-based polyurethane films with cross-linked structure are synthesized by the sol-gel process using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polycaprolactone (PCL) diol, and 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (ATS). After the ATS-terminated polyurethane prepolymer, a cross-linked network structure is formed through the process of dehydration and condensation. The hydrophobicity, thermal properties, surface morphology, and mechanical properties of a series of polysiloxane-based polyurethane films with cross-linked structure are further studied. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies show that the crosslink density of polysiloxane-based polyurethane films with cross-linked structure is improved with the addition of ATS. Polysiloxane-based polyurethane films with cross-linked structure can not only enhance mechanical strength but also improve heat resistance and hydrophobicity. The results show that the maximum decomposition temperature of the polysiloxane-based polyurethane films with cross-linked structure reaches 475 °C, the hydrophobicity increases to 114.2°, and the mechanical strength increases to 16.7 Mpa, which are 18.75%, 7.53%, and 59.04% higher than that of the control group, respectively. This is mainly due to the cross-linked network structure formed by the sol-gel process, which limits the movement of the segment and increases the rigidity of the material. Besides, a dense protective layer is formed on the surface due to cross-linking, which prevents the infiltration of water molecules. Interestingly, with the increase of ATS, the R q value of the surface shows an increasing trend. This is in contrast to the study by Kamal Mohamed Seeni Meera et al. Who shows that the R q value decreases with increasing crosslink density. Also, it can be seen from the results of XPS characterization that Si element of the surface is increased, which is mainly due to the sol-gel phenomenon of ATS occurring on the surface of the material.

Activation of Magnesium Lignosulfonate and Kraft Lignin: Influence on the Properties of Phenolic Resin-Based Composites for Potential Applications in Abrasive Materials.

Magnesium lignosulfonate and kraft lignin were activated by different oxidizing agents for use in phenolic resin composites used for the production of abrasive components. The physicochemical properties of the oxidized materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic mechanical-thermal analysis (DMTA) and inverse gas chromatography (IGC). The homogeneity of the model abrasive composites containing the studied products was assessed based on observations obtained using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). FTIR and XPS analysis of the oxidized products indicated that the activation process leads mainly to the formation of carbonyl groups. The IGC technique was used to assess changes in the surface energy and the acid–base properties of the studied biopolymers. The changes in the acid–base properties suggest that more groups acting as electron donors appear on the oxidized surface of the materials. DMTA studies showed that the model composites with 5% magnesium lignosulfonate oxidized by H2O2 had the best thermomechanical properties. Based on the results it was possible to propose a hypothetical mechanism of the oxidation of the natural polymers. The use of such oxidized products may improve the thermomechanical properties of abrasive articles.

Influence of surface activated carbon nano fiber on thermo-mechanical properties of high performance polymeric nano composites

This investigation highlights the influence of plasma modified carbon nano fiber (CNF) on the various properties of poly ether ketone (PEK). CNFs were modified with oxygen plasma under low pressure to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the reinforcement and matrix. Significant changes are evident in the elemental composition of oxygen and carbon on the plasma modified CNFs as observed by X-ray photo electron spectroscopy. Based on results from compression and tensile strength, significant change in the mechanical properties of the composites is observed. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) reveals that the storage modulus increases on reinforcing modified CNF in PEK. The increase in modulus is noticeable only up to 1.5% wt reinforcement of CNF, while higher percentage of reinforcement leads to decline in properties. DMTA studies also clearly shows that the dispersion of CNF is not uniform after 1.5% of CNF reinforcement. However, differential scanning calorimeter and thermo gravimetric analysis studies reveal that the thermal properties of the CNF reinforced composite do not vary significantly. Thermal conductivity results show a substantial increase in the thermal conductivity of polymeric composites on increasing the reinforcements. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals that there is uniform dispersion of CNF in PEK. TEM also clearly shows that higher percentage of CNF leads to agglomeration. Physico-chemical analysis indicates that the contact angle increases on increasing the reinforcements. These findings would be highly useful to make way for PEK composites for high temperature and high strength application.

Free volume and damping in a miscible high performance polymer blend: Positron annihilation lifetime and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies

ABSTRACTHigh performance polymer blend of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly(ether imide) (PEI) was examined for their free volume behavior at different compositions of PEI using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The damping property of the blend was studied using tan‐δ obtained from dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The dependence of tan‐δ on temperature revealed that the blend is miscible in all compositions, in agreement with earlier studies. The tan‐δ peak height is found to increase with increase in free volume fraction for the entire blend composition signifying that the free volume plays an imperative role in understanding the damping property. Using DMTA, master curves were obtained at a reference temperature T0 by applying the time‐temperature‐superposition (TTS) using Williams‐Landel‐Ferry (WLF) relationship. From the shift factor aT, the WLF coefficients and were evaluated, using which the free volume fraction was found. Both PALS and DMTA methods were found to give similar results for the dependence of free volume for various PEI contents studied in this blend. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42961.

Mechanically controlled, morphologically determined sol–gel derived UV curable hybrid nanocomposites: SAXS and DMTA studies

This work reports preparation of organic–inorganic hybrid materials by sol–gel method. To this end, UV cured urethane acrylate and different functional monomers were used as organic network together with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as inorganic network former and 3-methacryloxy propyltrimethoxy silane (MEMO) as network modifier. The effect of sol–gel precursor’s ratio on morphological properties of hybrid network was studied by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was performed to investigate the mechanical behavior of hybrid films. Whilst hybrids with low content of TEOS and high amounts of MEMO represented a “structural defect”, it was found that by increasing TEOS/MEMO ratio, the silica domain size decreased, showing a mass fractal behavior. This was attributed to a more compact structure of silica and a stronger hybrid network. The changes observed in compactness of hybrid films directly affected the glass transition temperature. By increasing the inorganic phase, more restriction in segmental motion of the polymeric phase occurred. Upon increasing TEOS/MEMO ratio a broader tan δ peak deduced from DMTA graphs was observed, indicating greater phase separation and higher heterogeneity.

The relationship between composition and electrical properties of brass covered by a nanocomposite coating of glycerol diglycidyl ether: An EIS and DMTA study

The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to estimate resistivity of a novel epoxy coating with various molar fractions of glycerol diglycidyle ether (GDE) and 3,3-dimethylglutaric anhydride (DGA) over frequency range of 100 to 100kHz. The effects of curing time, initiator concentration, temperature, and amount of nano-Al2O3 on dielectric response of the nanocomposite were reported. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) measurements revealed that two sub-Tg relaxation peaks could be recognized as well. These relaxation processes were attributed to the thermally activated motion of specific groups or the network segments. The relaxation peaks have been detected from the EIS measurements in the form of Bode diagram for all the studied samples. This research highlights that the presence of nanoalumina does not change the dielectric response and molecular dynamic of the nanocomposite considerably, while the influences of the other investigated parameters are significant.

Phase transition and mechanical damping properties: A DMTA study of NiTiCu shape memory alloys

Internal friction measurement is a well-known investigation technique of the damping property of shape memory alloys (SMAs). It has already been demonstrated that this practice conducted in temperature scanning at a constant solicitation frequency is also useful in determining the path of the martensitic transformation and also the influence of hydrogen content on the martensitic properties. There is indeed a lack of studies about SMA internal friction as a function of solicitation frequency; systematic and rigorous analysis has not been reported yet. In this work the path of the martensitic transformation of Ni50−xTiCux alloys (x = 3–10at%) is investigated through Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA): internal friction as a function of temperature at a constant flexural frequency and internal friction as a function of flexural frequency at a constant temperature were evaluated. Results show that the two scans are both sensitive to phase transitions and microstructural changes.

Optimized process for the inclusion of carbon nanotubes in elastomers with improved thermal and mechanical properties

AbstractThe effects of addition of reinforcing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into hydrogenated nitrile–butadiene rubber (HNBR) matrix on the mechanical, dynamic viscoelastic, and permeability properties were studied in this investigation. Different techniques of incorporating nanotubes in HNBR were investigated in this research. The techniques considered were more suitable for industrial preparation of rubber composites. The nanotubes were modified with different surfactants and dispersion agents to improve the compatibility and adhesion of nanotubes on the HNBR matrix. The effects of the surface modification of the nanotubes on various properties were examined in detail. The amount of CNTs was varied from 2.5 to 10 phr in different formulations prepared to identify the optimum CNT levels. A detailed analysis was made to investigate the morphological structure and mechanical behavior at room temperature. The viscoelastic behavior of the nanotube filler elastomer was studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Morphological analysis indicated a very good dispersion of the CNTs for a low nanotube loading of 3.5 phr. A significant improvement in the mechanical properties was observed with the addition of nanotubes. DMTA studies revealed an increase in the storage modulus and a reduction in the glass‐transition temperature after the incorporation of the nanotubes. Further, the HNBR/CNT nanocomposites were subjected to permeability studies. The studies showed a significant reduction in the permeability of nitrogen gas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

A dynamic mechanical thermal analysis study of the viscoelastic properties and glass transition temperature behaviour of bioresorbable polymer matrix nanocomposites

The application of bioresorbable polymer nanocomposites in orthopaedics offer the potential to address several of the limitations associated with the use of metallic implants. Their enhanced biological performance has been demonstrated recently, but until now relatively little work has been reported on their mechanical properties. To this end, the viscoelastic properties and T(g) of bioresorbable polylactide-co-glycolide/α-tricalcium phosphate nanocomposites were investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. At room temperature of approximately 20°C, the storage moduli of the nanocomposites were generally higher than the storage modulus of the unfilled polymer due to the stiffening effect of the nano-particles. However at physiological temperature of approximately 37°C, the storage moduli of the nanocomposites decreased from 6.2 to 15.4% v/v nano-particle loadings. Similarly the T(g) of the nanocomposites also decreased from 6.2 to 15.4% v/v nano-particle loadings. These effects were thought to be due to weak interfacial bonding between the nano-particles and polymer matrix. The storage moduli at 37°C and T(g) increased from the minimum value when the particle loading was raised to 25.7 and 34.2% v/v loadings. SEM and particle size distribution histograms showed that at these loadings, there was a broad particle size distribution consisting of nano-particles and micro-particles and that some particle agglomeration was present. The consequent reduction in the interfacial area and the number of weak interfaces presumably accounts for the rise in the storage modulus at 37°C and the T(g).

Phase morphology and thermomechanical analysis of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer blends: Uncompatibilized and reactively compatibilized blends with two mixing sequences

AbstractThe phase morphology developing in immiscible poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blends was studied with an in situ reactively generated SAN‐g‐EPDM compatibilizer through the introduction of a suitably chosen polymer additive (maleic anhydride) and 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di‐(t‐butyl peroxy) hexane (Luperox) and dicumyl peroxide as initiators during melt blending. Special attention was paid to the experimental conditions required for changing the droplet morphology for the dispersed phase. Two different mixing sequences (simple and two‐step) were used. The product of two‐step blending was a major phase surrounded by rubber particles; these rubber particles contained the occluded matrix phase. Depending on the mixing sequence, this particular phase morphology could be forced or could occur spontaneously. The composition was stabilized by the formation of the SAN‐g‐EPDM copolymer between the elastomer and addition polymer, which was characterized with Fourier transform infrared. As for the two initiators, the blends with Luperox showed better mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed good compatibility for the SAN/EPDM blends produced by two‐step blending with this initiator. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies showed that the two‐step‐prepared blend with Luperox had the best compatibility. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Chitosan‐modified nanoclay–poly(AMPS) nanocomposite hydrogels with improved gel strength

AbstractBACKGROUND: Making (nano)composite structures is one of the efficient approaches for strengthening hydrogels extended in recent years. The present paper deals with the synthesis and properties of novel nanocomposite hydrogels based on 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane‐1‐sulfonic acid (AMPS). Initially, a bio‐modified clay, chitosan‐intercalated montmorillonite (chitoMMT), was prepared. Then, this was incorporated into the polymerization of AMPS in the presence of a macro‐crosslinker, i.e. poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate, to yield super‐swelling nanocomposite hydrogels. The swelling capacity as well as some structural, rheological and thermomechanical properties of the hydrogels were studied and compared with those of the clay‐free counterpart.RESULTS: ChitoMMT exhibited no toxicity, which was confirmed using cell‐culture testing. A chitoMMT content of ca 6% was found to be the most favourable content of the bio‐modified clay for achieving a product with improved properties (i.e. the highest gel content, the highest gel strength and optimal thermal stability). Based on a dynamic mechanical thermal analysis study, an increased glass transition temperature (98.2 °C) and improved rubbery modulus (up to 238% higher than that of the clay‐free counterpart) were recorded. Thermogravimetric analysis verified that the thermal stability of nanocomposite samples was higher than that of clay‐free samples.CONCLUSION: Owing to the non‐toxicity of the incorporated chitoMMT, the strengthened hydrogels may be considered as potential candidates for bio‐applications. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

Influence of Mercerization on the Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Bamboo, a Natural Lignocellulosic Composite

Bamboo fibers that have been treated in NaOH solutions of varying concentrations were subjected to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) studies, respectively. The moisture desorption peak (and the enthalpy values associated with it) was moved to higher values as the alkali concentration increased up to 15% and shifted to lower values beyond that temperature. A broad exotherm was observed in all of the DSC curves for alkali treatments up to 15%. Beyond that concentration, two comparatively smaller exothermic peaks appeared for the 20% and 50% alkali-treated samples. DMTA study of bamboo strip samples reveals that the room-temperature value for the storage modulus (E‘) of the untreated bamboo strips is increased by ∼400% in the case of 15% alkali-treated samples, and the rate of decrease in the modulus over the temperature range of 140−180 °C is also maximum for those samples. The untreated bamboo samples show a primary loss modulus (E‘ ‘) peak at 111.8 °C, which is shifted to higher temperatures for alkali-treated samples. The damping parameter (tan δ) is also maximum for untreated samples.

Effect of additives on the thermo-mechanical behaviour of dough systems at sub-freezing temperatures

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different additives, ascorbic acid, α-amylase, protease, hemicellulase, gluten, and gum guar, on thermo-mechanical dough properties at sub-freezing temperatures as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA). The DSC thermograms showed that dough with a combination of ascorbic acid and hemicellulase had greater amount of water unable to crystallize and a lower co-operativity in ice-melting transition, indicating more polymer–water interactions. DMA studies permitted identification of three peaks, which were related to the ice melting, α-relaxation and β-relaxation. α-transition occurred over a temperature range of ∼40 °C and the ascorbic acid and their combination with hemicellulase, amylase, protease and gum guar increased temperature transition. An increment of the matrix viscosity due to higher number of inter- and intra-molecular interaction caused by oxidation of gluten proteins (ascorbic acid), and the increment of aggregated solid or generated molecules in the unfrozen phase could explain the increment in this transition.

Thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites from poly[styrene–(ethylene‐co‐butylene)–styrene] triblock copolymer and clay: Preparation and characterization

AbstractThermoplastic elastomer (TPE)–clay nanocomposites based on poly[styrene–(ethylene‐co‐butylene)–styrene] triblock copolymer (SEBS) were prepared. Natural sodium montmorillonite (MMT) clay was organically modified by octadecyl amine to produce an amine‐modified hydrophobic nanoclay (OC). Commercially available Cloisite 20A (CL20) and Cloisite 10A, tallow ammine modified nanoclays, were also used. The intergallery spacing of MMT increased on amine modification as suggested by the shifting of the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) peak from 7.6 to 4.5 and 3.8° in the cases of OC and CL20, respectively. The latter demonstrated no XRD peak when it was used at 2 and 4 parts phr in the SEBS system. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed the intercalation–exfoliation morphology in SEBS containing 4 parts of CL204–SEBS, agglomeration in SEBS having 4 parts of MMT, and mixed morphology in SEBS with 4 parts of OC systems. Locations of the clay particles were indicated by the atomic force micrographs. Mechanical and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies confirmed the best properties with the CL204–SEBS nanocomposites. Significant improvements in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, work to break, and elongation at break were achieved with the CL204–SEBS in polymer‐layered silicate nanocomposites. Dynamic mechanical studies further showed the affinity of the organoclays toward both segments of the TPE and a compatibilization effect with CL20 at a 4‐phr loading. Atomic force microscopy showed distinctly different morphologies in nanocomposites prepared through solution and melt processing. Comparisons of the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and morphological properties of the nanocomposites prepared by melt and solution intercalation processes were done. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2040–2052, 2006

Characterisation of thermal relaxations of polyaniline fibers by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis

Molecular motions and thermal transitions in polyaniline fibers (∅ = 50 μm), cast from emeraldine base powder dissolved in N, N′-dimethylpropylene urea (DMPU), have been investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). For this purpose, a special picopendulum has been used, and a double sweep DMTA study has been performed. From these preliminary experiments, different relaxations observed have been discussed and compared to what is found in the literature.

Blends of polymers with similar glass transition temperatures: A DMTA and DSC study

AbstractThe miscibility of different polymer blends was studied with dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) in conjunction with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The blends were prepared by melt mixing polymers having similar glass transitions such as polyglutarimide (PGI), styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride random copolymers (SMA), and polystyrene (PS). In PGI/SMA blends, there is only one glass transition detected with DMTA. In the case of PGI/SMA14 blends, the single glass transition temperature is due to their full miscibility. However, PGI/SMA8 blends are immiscible throughout the whole composition range as was verified by optical observation (opaque appearance), DSC, and scanning electron microscopy. The observation of only one glass transition by DMTA was attributed to weak interactions that take place between the two polymers, leading to partial mutual solubility and bringing the slightly different Tg temperatures of the pure polymers even closer. In SMA8/SMA14 blends, there are two glass transitions detected with DSC as well as with DMTA, indicating that the two copolymers are immiscible. However, in all compositions, shifts of the glass transitions were observed with DMTA, which is evidence of partial miscibility. The observation of immiscibility was easiest in PS/SMA blends by both techniques, because of the bigger difference in glass transition temperatures of the initial polymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 726–735, 2004

Sensing of liquids by electrically conductive immiscible polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane blends containing carbon black

AbstractImmiscible polymer blends based on polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane (PP/TPU) are interesting host multiphase systems for the incorporation of low concentrations of conductive carbon black (CB) particles. The enhancement of conductivity (and the lower critical CB content for percolation) in the PP/TPU blend is achieved via double percolation, that is, structural and electrical. The CB particles form chainlike network structures within the TPU phase, which exhibit phase continuity of elongated particles within the PP matrix. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies indicated that the incorporation of CB particles into the PP/TPU blend has a “compatibilizing” effect, resulting in an enhanced interaction between the two polymers. Extruded PP/TPU/CB filaments produced by a capillary rheometer process at various shear rates were examined as sensing materials for a homologous series of alcohols, that is, methanol, ethanol, and 1‐propanol. All filaments displayed increasing resistance upon exposure to the various alcohols combined with excellent reproducibility and recovery behavior. An attempt is made to identify the dominant mechanisms controlling the sensing process in a CB‐containing immiscible polymer blend characterized by a double‐continuity structure. The interphase region, its quantity, and continuity played a significant role in the liquid‐transport process. Blend composition, filaments' extrusion temperature, and production shear rate level were considered as significant parameters determining the structure and the resultant sensing properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1428–1440, 2003

Self‐interference flow of an isotactic polypropylene melt in a cavity during injection molding. I. Effect of the self‐interference flow on the properties

AbstractThe self‐interference flow (SIF) of a melt in a cavity during injection molding is introduced. It comes from two streams of the melt being split by a patented mold gate called a twin gate. The effects of this flow on the static and dynamic mechanical properties, thickness distribution, and shrinkage in the transverse direction (TD) of injection‐molded isotactic polypropylene parts are discussed. SIF has an influence on the static mechanical properties, especially the impact strength. There are slight increases in the tensile strength and Young's modulus and an increase of approximately 70–90% in the impact strength in comparison with the properties of samples obtained by a conventional flow process with a common pin gate. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies show an increase in the storage modulus for SIF samples. Results obtained from research into the effect of the mold temperature and injection pressure on the impact strength show that the impact strength of SIF specimens has a weaker dependence on the mold temperature and injection pressure. In addition, the flow brings a more uniform thickness distribution and a smaller shrinkage in the TD to SIF samples. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2784–2790, 2003

Use of flow microcalorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis for probing interphase structure in poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene)/magnesium hydroxide composites

Interactions between magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2 particles (both untreated and treated with 16-methyl heptadecanoic acid (isostearic acid)) and low molar mass poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(butadiene) (PB) have been studied by flow microcalorimetry (FMC) and have been related to the interphase structure in poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS)/Mg(OH)2 composites using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The FMC studies revealed that both polymers adsorbed strongly onto an untreated magnesium hydroxide surface though the PB showed greater irreversible adsorption from the heptane carrier fluid. Diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) studies on filler samples removed from the FMC cell after the adsorption-desorption cycle confirmed strong polymer filler interaction. Adsorption of the low molar mass samples of PS and PB onto a pre-adsorbed monolayer of isostearic acid on Mg(OH)2 resulted in a very significant reduction in polymer adsorption activity due to blockage of adsorption sites. DMTA studies revealed that strong adsorption of PS and PB blocks of SBS onto untreated filler in composites containing 60% w/w Mg(OH)2 gave rise to phase mixing that led to an 18 °C reduction in the T g of the PS phase relative to that in the unfilled matrix. However, in equivalent composites based on isostearic acid treated filler a smaller reduction (10 °C) was observed, therefore reflecting reduced filler-matrix interaction and reduced phase mixing.