Fabrication and physical properties of EPDM-organoclay nanocomposites

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer-clay nanocomposites (EPDM-CNs) with organoclay that was intercalated with maleic anhydride grafted EPDM (MAH-g-EPDM) and EPDM-clay composites (EPDM-CCs) with pristine clay have been prepared through melt intercalation technique (termed indirect method). The dispersion of the silicate layers in the EPDM matrix was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the particles of organoclay were completely exfoliated in the EPDM matrix. The change of intercalation behavior of EPDM-CNs during the vulcanization process was discussed. The mechanical, thermal and chemical tests show that the properties of nanocomposites were significantly improved with the addition of organoclay. Another process (termed direct method) was examined to prepared EPDM-CNs by a simple way. It was found that the properties of nanocomposites prepared by this way is nearly same with indirect method however the direct method is simple and has lower cost. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.