Abstract
The most significant factor, which prescribes the enhancement of properties in rubber by the incorporation of nanoclay, is its distribution in the rubber matrix. The study deals with the utilisation of epoxidised natural rubber (ENR) as a polar compatibiliser to achieve better dispersion of nanoclay in non‐polar polymer matrix. Epoxidised natural rubber–nanoclay composites (EC) were prepared by solution mixing. The obtained nanocomposites were incorporated in ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) with sulphur as a curing agent. The morphological studies proved the intercalation of nanoclay in ENR, and further incorporation of EC in EPDM matrix leads to exfoliation of nanoclay. Curing study demonstrated faster scorch time, cure time and increase in maximum torque for the nanoclay loaded EPDM compounds compared to pure one. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed increase in storage modulus and lesser damping characteristics for the compounds containing nanoclay loading in EPDM matrix followed by substantial improvement in the overall mechanical properties.
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