International Polymer Processing, Vol.26, No.1, 48-55, 2011
Elastomer Nanocomposites Based on NR/EPDM/Organoclay: Morphology and Properties
Natural rubber/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (NR/EPDM) blends of five different compositions (0/100), (25/75), (50/50), (75/25) and (100/0) with I, 3, 5 and 7 phr organo-modified nanoclay (Cloisite 15A) were prepared by two-roll mill. The effect of organo-modified layered nanosilicates and composition on the cure characteristics, microstructure, mechanical, and theological properties of the nanocomposites were studied. Results suggested the intercalation of polymer chains into the silicate layers which was evidenced by d-spacing results of X-ray diffraction patterns. TEM micrographs also directly confirmed XRD results. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites depicted a nearly 40% percents increase respectively in the tensile modulus of 75NR/25EPDM containing 7 wt.% nanoclay.