Characterisation and properties of HDPE/NR blend-layered silicate nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation
by Engku Zaharah E. Zawawi; Sahrim Ahmad; Rozaidi Rasid; A.R. Shamsul Bahri
International Journal of Materials Engineering Innovation (IJMATEI), Vol. 4, No. 3/4, 2013

Abstract: Nanocomposites comprising high density polyethylene (HDPE) and natural rubber (NR) blend as the matrix polymer and Closite 20A as the organoclay filler were prepared using the melt intercalation technique in an internal mixer. In order to study the morphological structure of the nanocomposites obtained, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses were carried out. The physical properties of nanocomposites were examined with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tester. Test specimens were fabricated using compression moulding after the blending process. The results show that all properties analysed were strongly influenced by the composition of organoclay. The X-ray diffraction results indicated intercalation of blend into the silicate interlayer of organoclay and partially exfoliated of silicate layer in the blend. Based on the observation from transmission electron microscope, organoclay was found well dispersed within the matrix. The tensile strength of HDPE/NR blend was enhanced by the addition of low loading of this organically modified montmorillonite. The results of tensile modulus improved with increasing the content of organoclay. The DMA curves show that the incorporation of organoclay increased the storage modulus of the nanocomposites below the Tg temperature and slightly reduces the tan δ peak height.

Online publication date: Sat, 19-Jul-2014

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