Brominated poly(isobutylene-co-para-methylstyrene) (BIMS)-clay nanocomposites: Synthesis and characterization

In this work, preparation and properties of different nanoclays modified by organic amines (octadecyl amine, a primary amine, and hexadecyltrimethylammonium. bromide, a tertiary amine) and brominated polyisobutylene-co-paramethylstyrene (BIMS)-clay nanocomposites are reported. The clays and the rubber nanocomposites have been characterized with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The X-ray diffraction peaks observed in the range of 3 degrees-10 degrees for the modified clays disappear in the rubber nanocomposites. TEM photographs show predominantly exfoliation of the clays in the range of 12 +/- 4 nm in the BIMS. In the FTIR spectra of the nanocomposites, there are common peaks of virgin rubber as well as those of the clays. Excellent improvement in mechanical properties like tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus is observed on incorporation of the nanoclays in the BIMS. Structure-property correlation in the above nanocomposites is attempted. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.