Fibre reinforcement of elastomers: nanocomposites based on sepiolite and poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate)

The reinforcement of poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate) provided by sepiolite particles has been analysed. Stress-strain measurements at equilibrium, as well as swelling experiments, were carried out on the unfilled and filled polymers. The state of dispersion of the filler was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, an evaluation of chain orientation by infrared dichroism reveals a high orientation level in the filled system. The strong interaction between the two phases, combined with a good dispersion and a high shape factor of these clay particles, explain the improvement of the mechanical properties of the composites with respect to the pure polymer. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.