Rheological characteristics of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/silane nanocomposites

EVA/tetraethylorthosilane(silane) nanocomposites were prepared. Rheological properties were studied in both dynamic and steady modes at 150 degrees C. The rheological properties of the nanocomposites are strongly affected by silane dispersed in EVA matrix. As silane content incresed, the polymer strength increased due to interconnections between filler clusters which can be disrupted by high shear rate (in steady mode). The degree of silane dispersion in the EVA matrix decreased with increasing silane content, leading to a "pseudo-solid-like" behaviour. The samples showed viscous and elastic behaviour at low- and high-shear rate regions, respectively. The nanocomposite films were almost as clear as EVA film.