Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Nanocomposites Research Articles

Mechanical Recycling of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites: Processing, Thermal, Rheological, Mechanical and Electrical Behavior.

Recycling polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites is not well common, despite a growing interest in using polymer/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites in industrial applications. In this study, the influence of mechanical recycling on the thermal, rheological, mechanical and electrical behavior of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)/CNT nanocomposites is investigated. EVA/CNT nanocomposite with different amounts of CNTs (1, 3 and 5 wt.%) was subjected to mechanical grinding and reprocessing by injection molding in a close-loop up to three cycles, and the changes induced by mechanical recycling were monitored by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), capillary rheology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical resistance and tensile tests. It was found that the EVA/CNT nanocomposites did not exhibit significant changes in thermal and flow behavior due to mechanical recycling and reprocessing. The recycled EVA/CNT nanocomposites retain close to 75% of the original elastic modulus after three recycling cycles and about 80-90% in the tensile strength, depending on the CNT loading. The electrical conductivity of the recycled nanocomposites was about one order of magnitude lower as compared with the virgin nanocomposites, spanning the insulating to semi-conducting range (10-9 S/m-10-2 S/m) depending on the CNT loading. With proper control of the injection molding temperature and CNT loading, a balance between the mechanical and electrical properties of the recycled EVA nanocomposites can be reached, showing a potential to be used in practical applications.

Development of Cotton Fabrics via EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 Nanocomposite Prepared by γ-Irradiation for Waterproof and Fire Retardant Applications

Development of cotton fabric (CF) properties using nanocomposites via coating method was of considerable interest for wide applications. This article aims at developing CF properties by coating treatment using ethylene–vinyl-acetate (EVA), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles and γ-irradiation widely used in waterproof and flame retardant applications. EVA-based nanocomposites, EVA/SiO2, EVA/Al2O3, and EVA/SiO2/Al2O3, were synthesized by γ-irradiation and the highest gel content of 81.2–95.3% was achieved at 30 kGy. The physicochemical properties of EVA-based nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, DSC and SEM techniques. Usage of irradiated EVA and EVA-based nanocomposites for treatment of CF by coating technique was successfully achieved. This technique provides a simple and versatile method leading to excellent uniform and smooth surface morphology without aggregation. The weight gain, mechanical properties, thermal properties, water vapor permeability and flame-retardant properties of the modified CF were evaluated. Moreover, compared with control CF, the resistivity of water absorptivity and hydrophobic property and the thermal stability were gained. The flame retardant properties of CF samples were performed using limited oxygen index (LOI) and vertical burning flame tests. LOI percentages of CF/EVA/SiO2, CF/EVA/Al2O3 and CF/EVA/SiO2/Al2O3 increased to 25.3, 27.5, and 29.3%, respectively. Untreated CF ignited and burned rapidly after 5 s. Meanwhile, the treated CF hold flame resistance properties and the burning time prolonged to 25 s. The results of the treated CF providing revealed hydrophobic and protective capability of the fabrics from being destroyed by burning, and support their further use in waterproof and flame retardant applications of fabrics.

Comparing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Halloysite Nanotubes as Reinforcements in EVA Nanocomposites.

The influence of carbon multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) on the physical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) copolymer was investigated. EVA-based nanocomposites containing MWCNTs or HNTs, as well as hybrid nanocomposites containing both nanofillers were prepared by melt blending. Scanning electron microcopy (SEM) images revealed the presence of good dispersion of both kinds of nanotubes throughout the EVA matrix. The incorporation of nanotubes into the EVA copolymer matrix did not significantly affect the crystallization behavior of the polymer. The tensile strength of EVA-based nanocomposites increased along with the increasing CNTs (carbon nanotubes) content (increased up to approximately 40% at the loading of 8 wt.%). In turn, HNTs increased to a great extent the strain at break. Mechanical cyclic tensile tests demonstrated that nanocomposites with hybrid reinforcement exhibit interesting strengthening behavior. The synergistic effect of hybrid nanofillers on the modulus at 100% and 200% elongation was visible. Moreover, along with the increase of MWCNTs content in EVA/CNTs nanocomposites, an enhancement in electrical conductivity was observed.

Effect of organo-smectite clays on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of EVA nanocomposites

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites containing hydrophobic organo-clays were prepared by a solution blending method to investigate the role of organic modifiers stabilized in the interlayer space of host clays on the thermal stability and mechanical strength of EVA. The smectite clays such as Mt. (Na-montmorillonite), Mica (Na‑fluorine mica), and Ht (Na-hectorite) were used as the host with different particle sizes, but hydrophobically modified by intercalating the long chained alkylammonium surfactants like cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) bromide, and dimethyldistearylammonium (DMDSA) bromide to form organo-clays. Thus, prepared organo-clays were dispersed homogeneously in a toluene solution of EVA, and then the toluene was evaporated to obtain the organo-clay/EVA nanocomposites. According to the powder XRD analyses for all the nanocomposites, the CTA-clays were better exfoliated and dispersed in EVA matrix than the DMDSA-ones. Among three CTA-clay/EVA nanocomposites, the CTA-Mica/EVA one was determined to be the best in terms of thermal stability compared to the other two nanocomposites, CTA-Mt/EVA and CTA-Ht/EVA. The thermal stability of the CTA-Mica/EVA nanocomposite was significantly improved by ~38 °C, compared to that of the pristine EVA. Upon increasing the CTA-Mica loading concentration up to 12 wt% in EVA matrix, the Young's modulus and tensile strength of the EVA nanocomposites were increased up to 54% in maximum. It is, therefore, suggested that the CTA-Mica is a potential nanofiller for enhancing the thermal stability and mechanical properties of EVA.

Preparation and properties of nano zinc oxide doped ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites for solar cell encapsulation

Long term stability of the encapsulant is needed to resist heat, moisture, ultraviolet (UV) light and other weathering stresses. In this study, a new way of improving the properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulant was reported by doping a very small quantity (0.05 wt%, 0.1 wt% and 0.15 wt%) of nano Zinc Oxide (n-ZnO). EVA/n-ZnO composites were made by solvent casting process with addition of surface modified n-ZnO, followed by compression moulding to achieve thin films with thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm. Then, the intrinsic EVA and EVA/n-ZnO nano-composites were characterized to check the electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties. The nano-composites exhibited superior electrical insulation than the intrinsic one. High temperature electrical insulation was remarkably good for the nano-composites. The effect of n-ZnO was also prominent in the mechanical behavior of encapsulants; tensile strength increased from 3.7 MPa (for intrinsic EVA encapsulant) to 15.3 MPa (for 0.1 wt% nano-composite). Elongation at break was also increased for nano-composites. EVA nano-composites were able to maintain low dielectric constant and low dissipation factor even at elevated temperature. Another one important criteria is light (UV and visible) transmission through the encapsulant. UV and visible light transmittance spectrum of EVA nano-composites were found better than the commercially available encapsulant. Therefore, n-ZnO was successfully doped on to the EVA matrix to provide better electrical, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties even at elevated temperature.

Enhanced thermal stability and mechanical property of EVA nanocomposites upon addition of organo-intercalated LDH nanoparticles

Organo-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites were synthesized using the solution blending method. Pristine layered double hydroxides are not compatible with hydrophobic polymer matrix due to their hydrophilic property. As an attempt to improve the compatibility of LDHs with hydrophobic EVA, positively charged LDH surface was modified by incorporating various anionic surfactants. Surfactants were selected by considering the length of aliphatic chains conjugated with and without an aromatic ring such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (DS), sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS), and stearate (SA). The organo-intercalated LDHs into EVA resulted in enhanced thermal stability (ΔT0.5 = 7–19 °C, T0.5: temperature at 50 wt% weight loss) and mechanical strength of the EVA nanocomposites depending on the type and the loading concentration of organo-intercalated LDHs compared to these of intact EVA. Especially, SA-LDH had higher enhancement efficiency in elongation at break than DS-LDH and DBS-LDH. It is, therefore, concluded that organo-intercalated LDHs using suitable anionic surfactants are potential inorganic materials that can be considered as a nanofiller with high thermal stability and mechanical property.

Ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites with hybrid silicate nanofillers of destabilized natural and commercial bentonites and organomontmorillonites

In this research, the interlayer destabilization process of bentonite was applied to gain a loosely packed, swelled, and disorganized clay layered structure for better polymer intercalation and filler dispersion during the fabrication of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites. Three different destabilization methods were applied to natural and commercial bentonites and their effects on swelling and platelets’ ordering of the clays were observed. X‐ray diffraction results suggest that the destabilization process through a combination of pH control and salt addition is more efficient in swelling both types of bentonite clays. This was supported by field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis where smaller, more loosely packed, and uniform platelets were observed due to swelling of both natural and commercial bentonite clays. The “destabilized” bentonites were used as the co‐nanofiller with the organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) to form hybrid silicate nanofillers for EVA matrix reinforcement. Results show that the “destabilized” natural bentonite (NB) prepared by the combination of pH control and salt addition is most efficient in reinforcing the EVA matrix when combined with the OMMT by achieving 124.9% increment in tensile strength and 190.8% in toughness values. This could be related to the improved dispersion of bentonites upon the destabilization process that allows greater matrix–filler interactions in the nanocomposite system. In summary, the destabilization process through the combination of pH control and salt addition is the promising and practical technique to improve the dispersion of bentonites throughout the EVA matrix. Without the use of expensive and toxic chemicals, it can be adopted as a new approach to swell bentonites for more environmentally friendly nanocomposite technology. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:396–411, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Definition of the thermal and fire-protective properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer nanocomposites

To create a fire retardant coating that can be applied in the hydrocarbon fire, the nanocomposites of the ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer with montmorillonite (MMT), thermally expanded graphite (EG) are synthesized and their structure, physicochemical and thermal properties are studied. Using IR spectroscopy and X-ray phase analysis, it is found that the EVA nanocomposites with montmorillonite and nanographite obtained in solution and melt have the same structure. Thermal-oxidative degradation of the EVA copolymer and nanocomposites on its basis in the temperature range of 100–700 °C is investigated. It is proved that nanoclay and nanographite as a part of nanocomposites increase thermal characteristics of the original polymers. The thermal stability of the studied compounds increases in the series: polymer<polymer-EG<polymer-MMT <polymer-MMT-EG. It is shown that the presence of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix reduces the EVA thermal decomposition rate at a temperature above 450 °C and increases the coke residue mass after the destruction of the initial EVA copolymer at a temperature of 250 °C. The synergistic effect of the MMT/EG mixture on the processes of slowing down the thermal degradation of the EVA copolymer is found. The effect of organomodified montmorillonite and graphite in the EVA nanocomposites on the thermal destruction of the intumescent system of ammonium polyphosphate/melamine/pentaerythritol is studied. The synergistic effect of the mixture of clay and graphite nanoparticles in a hybrid nanocomposite is revealed. Synergism consists in increased fire resistance of metal structures by almost 20 % compared with the coating containing the polymer-nanoclay or polymer-nanographite nanocomposite. Based on the results obtained, the intumescent base of fire retardant paint for steel structures, which is recommended for use to increase the fire-resistance rating of metal in the hydrocarbon fire is developed

Effects of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)-Encapsulated Nanosilica on Mechanical Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Nanocomposites

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was melt mixed with three weight percentages (10–30wt%) of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) in an internal mixer, followed by a compression molding. According to a better combination of mechanical properties, the 90/10 (w/w) PLA/EVA was selected for preparing hybrid nanocomposites with three loadings (1, 3 and 5 parts per hundred of resin , phr) of poly(methyl methacrylate)-encapsulated nanosilica (PMMA-nSiO2). The nanolatex of PMMA-nSiO2 was synthesized via in situ differential microemulsion polymerization. The obtained PMMA-nSiO2 showed a core-shell morphology with nSiO2 as a core and PMMA as a shell, having an average diameter of 43.4nm. The influences of the EVA and PMMA-nSiO2 on the impact strength and the tensile properties of the PLA/EVA nanocomposites were studied and compared. It is found that the impact strength and the tensile properties of the 90/10 (w/w) PLA/EVA were improved with the appropriate amounts of the EVA and PMMA-nSiO2.

Pre-dispersing Process of Montmorillonite by Water and Toluene: Influence on Thermal Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate / Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

Organanically modified montmorillonite (organo-MMT) was incorporated into ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer to improve its thermal stability. A processing procedure, the so called ‘predispersing’ process of the organo-MMT was introduced prior to melt compounding process of both constituents in order to facilitate the nanofiller dispersion in the EVA matrix. Water and toluene were used as pre-dispersing medium, while magnetic stirring and ultrasonication were utilized as pre-dispersing method. The effects of pre-dispersing medium and method on thermal behaviour of neat EVA and EVA nanocomposites were analysed. It was anticipated that improvement in organo-MMT dispersion would enhance the matrix-nanofiller interactions, thereby the thermal properties of the resultant EVA/MMT nanocomposite. Based on thermal studies by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the organo-MMT nanofiller pre-dispersed by ultrasonication in water medium for 2 minutes (MMT(W)2m – u) resulted in most significant thermal stabilizing effect to the EVA copolymer. This was due to the significant improvement in the organo-MMT dispersion when the above mentioned pre-dispersing parameters were employed. Apparently, the result indicates that the high temperature behaviour of the nanocomposite can be affected by the strength of interphase interactions between the matrix and nanofiller which is also influenced by the dispersion of the organo-MMT.

Poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/organo‐silica core–shell and ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/organo‐silica nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin screw bara‐bender. The structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC). In addition, the tensile properties were identified. It was found that addition of 5% poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/organo‐silica to the matrix of EVA has improved the tensile strength of the nanocomposite by 29%. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites has been improved and the residue (char % at 500°C) reaches its maximum value. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E214–E220, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effects of magnetite nanoparticles on morphology, processability, diffusion and transport behavior of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

Effect of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles on the performance of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) was prepared by a two-roll mixing mill. The morphology of the nanocomposites was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The processing characteristics and the curing behavior of the nanocomposites were analyzed by Monsanto Rheometer. TEM images of the nanocomposite showed that nanoparticles were dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix up to 7 phr of filler and thereafter the dispersion decreased with further loading of fillers. The magnetite nanoparticle in EVA matrices was found to accelerate the curing process up to 26 % compared to unfilled sample. The transport characteristics of aromatic hydrocarbon through the nanocomposite were studied by simple sorption gravimetric analysis in the temperature range 28–70 °C. The solvent uptake was minimum for composites with 7 phr of filler and increased with increasing filler content. The transport phenomenon was found to follow an anomalous mode, the activation parameters were estimated and the molecular mass was calculated using Flory-Rehner theory. The sorption data were used to estimate the enthalpy, entropy and free energy of mixing.

Validity of the modified molecular stress function theory to predict the rheological properties of polymer nanocomposites

The transient shear and extensional properties of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites containing two geometrically different nanoparticles (spheres of CaCO3 and platelet of clay) were investigated experimentally and the data were compared to the rheological predictions of the modified molecular stress function (MSF) theory as recently proposed by Abbasi et al. [Rheol. Acta 51, 163–177 (2012)]. While good agreement was obtained for spherical particles, deviations were observed for platelet particles at concentrations higher than 2.5 wt. %. The limitation of MSF theory for such compositions was related to the domination of the linear rheological response by the presence of particle nanonetworks over polymeric chains' contribution. This particle network contribution was also found to increase nonlinearity under large deformation, a phenomenon which was quantified via Fourier transformed rheology on data obtained under large amplitude oscillatory shear.

Preparation and characterization of ethylene-vinyl acetate nanocomposites: enhanced flame retardant

Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites with enhanced flame retardance were prepared by the sol–gel process in the melt. Two EVAs with different vinyl acetate (VA) contents and aluminium isopropoxide were used as organic and inorganic phases. The nanocomposites were prepared in a batch mixer under constant processing conditions and were analysed by several characterization techniques. Aluminium isopropoxide presented low activation energy, which allows the synthesis of the nanoparticles without a post step treatment. The reaction mechanism is proposed. Nanocomposites with smaller and well dispersed metal nanoparticles were produced with an EVA with higher VA content. EVA nanocomposites achieve the requirements for 94 V-0 classification. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Gas barrier and mechanical properties of crosslinked ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

In this research, the effects of crosslinking agent and clay content on the morphology, barrier and mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate-organoclay nanocomposites prepared by solution method were studied. Dicumyl peroxide has been used as crosslinking agent. The morphology of the prepared nanocomposites was investigated using wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopyindicated that the prepared nanocomposites had predominantly intercalated morphologies. The obtained results of permeability tests showed that the permeability of ethylene vinyl acetate films dramatically decreases with addition of organoclay and dicumyl peroxide. Mechanical tests showed that tensile modulus and tensile strength of ethylene vinyl acetate increase with addition of organoclay. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites significantly improved in presence of crosslinking agent (dicumyl peroxide).

Morphology, mechanical, and rheological behavior of microcellular injection molded EVA–clay nanocomposites

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites diluted from master batch (50wt.%) with EVA and EVAgMA was used in this study. The organoclay EVA nanocomposites were then injection molded by conventional and microcellular methods. Nitrogen was used as the blowing agent. The effect of organoclay content and MA grafted EVA on the morphology and the mechanical and rheological properties of the EVA–clay nanocomposites were then investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties (tensile and impact) increased as the clay content increased. Cell size decreased as the clay loading increased. The EVAgMA nanocomposites had better mechanical properties than the EVA nanocomposites. XRD results showed that the EVAgMA nanocomposites have an exfoliated layered structure while the EVA nanocomposites are intercalated. Rheological results showed the viscosity is clay loading dependent and that the shear thinning effect occurs at high shear rates.

Influence of Matrix Polarity on the Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate–Carbon Nanofiller Nanocomposites

A series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites using four kinds of EVA with 40, 50, 60, and 70 wt% vinyl acetate (VA) contents and three different carbon-based nanofillers—expanded graphite (EG), multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and carbon nanofiber (CNF) have been prepared via solution blending. The influence of the matrix polarity and the nature of nanofillers on the morphology and properties of EVA nanocomposites have been investigated. It is observed that the sample with lowest vinyl acetate content exhibits highest mechanical properties. However, the enhancement in mechanical properties with the incorporation of various nanofillers is the highest for EVA with high VA content. This trend has been followed in both dynamic mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites. EVA copolymer undergoes a transition from partial to complete amorphousness between 40 and 50 wt% VA content, and this changes the dispersion of the nanofillers. The high VA-containing polymers show more affinity toward fillers due to the large free volume available and allow easy dispersion of nanofillers in the amorphous rubbery phase, as confirmed from the morphological studies. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites is also influenced by the type of nanofiller.

Influence of carbon‐based nanofillers on the electrical and dielectric properties of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites

AbstractA comparative study of ethylene vinyl acetate nanocomposites based on expanded graphite, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers has been carried out to investigate the effect of different carbon nanofillers on the electrical properties of the corresponding composites. The composites were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion of fillers in ethylene vinyl acetate solution, followed by casting and compression molding. The dependence of AC conductivity and dielectric constant on the frequency and filler concentration was investigated. Carbon nanofibers provided maximum conductivity as well as lowest percolation threshold (8.2 vol%) compared to expanded graphite and multiwalled carbon nanotubes filled composites. The improvement in both electrical conductivity and dielectric constant was attributed to the high filler aspect ratio and the formation of conducting networks. The relationship of dielectric constant with filler volume fraction for all the composite systems is estimated using a power law. The pressure sensing capability of the composites at respective percolation thresholds was also compared. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Comparison of Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelets (xGnP) and CNTs for Reinforcement of EVA Nanocomposites Fabricated by Solution Compounding Method and Three Screw Rotating Systems

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelet (xGnP™) and carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites have been fabricated by three screw rotating systems: co-, counter- and modified-co-rotating. The highest tensile strength and modulus were shown by the composites, both xGnP- and CNT-loaded, made by counter-rotating. The counter-rotating process produced better dispersion than the other two as found in morphology studies by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). However, the rotating system did not affect the electrical conductivity. The percolation threshold of the xGnP–EVA nanocomposites formed by solution mixing and injection molding was between 14–16 wt%, due to the advantageous effect of sheets with higher aspect ratios compared with spherical or elliptical fillers in forming conducting networks in the polymer matrix. Although CNT–EVA was electrically conductive with only 5 wt% CNT loading, we recommend xGnP as a more suitable additive material for polymer composites. xGnP greatly increased the thermal stability of xGnP–EVA composites to be applied as adhesives, films and cables.

Influence of Functionalization of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on the Properties of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Nanocomposites

Commercially available multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) were chemically modified by amine, acid and silane and their ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) based nanocomposites were prepared. Unmodified and modified nanotubes were characterized by thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Early degradation of modified nanotubes from the thermogravimetry study proved the presence of functional groups on nanotube surface. Increase in D-band to G-band ratio and a shift in radial breathing mode peaks from the Raman spectra indicated the generation of surface defects due to functionalization and variation in van der Waals force of attraction between nanotube aggregates on modification. The unmodified nanotubes improved the tensile strength by 30% with 4 weight% of filler. Amine modification imparted further increase in strength due to the presence of functional groups on the nanotube surface and the subsequent better dispersion of the nanotubes in the polymer matrix. The silane treatment imparted maximum improvement in various properties of the nanocomposites. The nanotubes provided better thermal degradation stability and also higher thermal conductivity to virgin EVA. The results were well supported by the morphological as well as swelling study of the various samples.