Clay nanolayer reinforcement of cis-1,4-polyisoprene and epoxidized natural rubber

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 82; no. 6; pp. 1391 - 1403
• Main Authors: Vu, Yen T., Mark, James E., Pham, Ly H., Engelhardt, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc 07.11.2001; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; clay reinforcement; elastomers; elongation at break; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical properties; modulus; nanocomposites; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; tensile strength; Clay; Strengthening; Montmorillonite; Mechanical properties; Dispersion reinforced material; Tensile property; Experimental study; Composite material; Property formulation relationship; Intercalation compound; Molecular intercalation; Morphology; Preparation; Nanocomposite; Epoxidized natural rubber; Isoprene polymer; Modified material
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.1976

Conditions were established for dispersing clay nanolayers into both cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene (synthetic) natural rubber (NR) and epoxidized natural rubbers (ENR) having 25 or 50 mol % epoxide. The clay was a sodium montmorillonite and was used as a pristine layered silicate or as organically modified layered silicates to make the galleries more hydrophobic and thus more compatible with the elastomers. The chemical modifications were carried out using an ion‐exchange reaction with alkyl ammonium cations. Incorporation of the clays into the elastomers was achieved by mixing the components themselves in a standard internal blender or by mixing dispersions of them in toluene or methyl ethyl ketone. X‐ray diffraction results indicated intercalation of NR and ENR into the silicate interlayers, followed by exfoliation of the silicate layers into the elastomer matrices. Of primary interest was the effect of the intercalated and exfoliated clays on the mechanical properties of the elastomers. The reinforcing effects obtained were found to depend strongly on the extent of the dispersion of the silicate layers into the rubber matrices. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1391–1403, 2001