Enhancing the physico-mechanical properties of irradiated rubber/waste plastic blend via incorporation of different fillers for industrial applications

The effect of gamma radiation on the physico-mechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/styrene butadiene rubber/waste high density polyethylene blend EPDM/SBR/wHDPE (50/50/30) blend reinforced with different types of fillers 10 phr (part per 100 part of rubber, by weight) of HAF-carbon black, Hisil, and prepared modified organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) clay was investigated. The results obtained showed that the organo-montmorillonite (OMMT) clay is the most effective filler for enhancing the physico-mechanical properties of EPDM/SBR/wHDPE vulcanized composites. Scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis characteristics were also, studied.

Preparation and Flammability Properties of Polyethylene/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation, in order to evaluate the flame retardant effect of this material. For the development of nanocomposites were used the montmorillonite clay (MMT), organoclay (OMMT) and flame retardant product (FRP) with the percentage of 1, 3, 6 and 9 wt%. Grafted polyethylene with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) was used as a compatibilizer of the systems. PE and its systems were evaluated: XRD, TEM, TG and flammability (UL94HB, oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry). The X-ray diffraction showed a partial intercalation and exfoliation as well as formation of microcomposite. The phase morphology of the systems was observed by TEM that it showed that the system with 1% OMMT clay presented a predominance of exfoliation. Already the system with 3% OMMT showed partial exfoliation and this exfoliation reduced as the clay content increased. By TG it was seen that MMT, OMMT and FRP acted improving the thermal behavior of the nanocomposites compared to PE matrix. The results obtained for the oxygen index showed that both PE and its systems presented flame retardancy behavior. By means of the horizontal flammability tests, it was found that the presence of 1% MMT clay reduced 25% the flammability of PE. By cone calorimetry it was found that the system that contains 9% of OMMT clay decreased by about 33% the flammability of PE.

Effect of polyethylene glycol-intercalated organoclay on vulcanization characteristics and reinforcement of natural rubber nanocomposites

Organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay was intercalated with low-molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) oligomer at melt stage. The intercalation behaviour of PEG into the OMMT clay galleries and its interaction with clay platelets were characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetric techniques. A natural rubber (NR)–organoclay nanocomposite (NROCN) was prepared by melt-compounding of NR with PEG-treated organoclay (P-OMMT) and other compounding chemicals using a laboratory-scale internal mixer. XRD analysis of the nanocomposites revealed the intercalation of NR molecules into the P-OMMT clay galleries and subsequent exfoliation during the melt-compounding process. Vulcanization characteristics of the NROCN, especially processing safety and optimum curing time, have been interpreted with reference to the organic modifier of the montmorillonite clay, PEG modification and the degree of exfoliation. Solid-state mechanical properties of P-OMMT clay-filled NROCN vulcanizates have shown a significant enhancement in stiffness and strength characteristics whilst without scarifying the elasticity of the nanocomposites. Results have been explained in terms of the degree of exfoliation, dispersibility of the organoclay and strain-induced crystallization of the natural rubber.

Effect of silane coupling agent on the mechanical properties of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites

The effect of coupling agents on the mechanical properties of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) clay nanocomposites was studied using three different types of silane coupling agents, which were γ-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, γ-(mercaptopropyl) triethoxy silane, and bis-[(γ-triethoxy silane)proply] tetrasulfur. The NBR/OMMT nanocomposites were prepared via the melt compounding with OMMT clay. The effect of silane coupling agents on the dispersion of OMMT in the polymer matrix was studied by X-ray diffraction. Dynamic mechanical analysis was employed to investigate the mechanical properties change induced by the silane coupling agents. The results suggest improved mechanical properties for the nanocomposites with coupling agents of γ-(mercaptopropyl) triethoxy silane and bis-[(γ-triethoxy silane)proply] tetrasulfur, whereas reduced mechanical properties were observed for nanocomposites with γ-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane.

Synthesis of a self-healable and pH responsive hydrogel based on an ionic polymer/clay nanocomposite

This investigation reports the preparation of a pH responsive self-healing nanocomposite hydrogel based on ionic polymer and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) clay.