Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.66, No.10, 1943-1952, 1997
Swelling and Static-Dynamic Mechanical-Behavior of Mica-Reinforced Linear and Star-Branched Polybutadiene Composites
Physical properties of mica-reinforced linear (LPB) and star-branched polybutadiene (SPB) composites have been studied with special reference to the effect of silane coupling agent, degree of crosslinking, and degree of mica loading, as well as the molecular architecture of polybutadienes. Tensile properties increase and swelling decreases with addition of mica for linear polybutadiene. Star-branched polybutadiene shows a reverse behavior, especially beyond 5% of mica. The improvements in mechanical properties are more pronounced in the case of silane-treated mica compositions of both type of polybutadienes. Dynamic mechanical spectra were obtained for linear and star-branched polybutadienes. Effects of mica loading and silane treatment on dynamic moduli are discussed. Dynamic mechanical moduli (E’, E") of composites increase with increasing mica content for linear polybutadiene but decrease for star-branched polybutadiene beyond certain mica loadings. Effective damping regions were determined in terms of frequency and temperature. The glass transition temperature (T-g) increased slightly, and the damping peak (tan delta) broadened due to the rubber-filler interaction, especially after silane treatment for both polymers.
Keywords:POLYPROPYLENE