Synthesis, characterization and properties of montmorillonite clay-polyacrylate hybrid material and its effect on the properties of engageclay hybrid composite

Clay-Polyacrylate hybrid material was prepared from Montmorillonite (M) clay and polytrimethylol propane triacrylate (PA) using intercalation polymerization process. Characterization of the composite was done by x-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) techniques. The results show the successful intercalation of PA in the M moiety. The MPA hybrid material was then blended with a polyolefin elastomer, Engage. Tensile and dynamic mechanical properties were measured on the polymer-filler composite and the results showed interaction between the treated clay and the base polymer. There was a significant improvement in modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break of the base polymer as compared to the composite prepared with the untreated clay.