An Investigation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites Based on NR/EPDM

NR/EPDM (75/25) blends containing 1, 3, 5 and 7 phr organo-modified nanoclay (Cloisite15A) were prepared by two-roll mill. The effect of organo-modified layered nanosilicates on microstructure and mechanical properties (tensile strength, abrasion resistance, Fatigue etc.) and also cure characteristics 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. A further investigation of the nanocomposites microstructure will soon be conducted using TEM. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites depicted a nearly 40% percents increase respectively in the tensile modulus with 7 wt% nanoclay

Keywords:

Clay , Nanocomposite , Cure time , Scorch time , Mechanical properties