Synthesis of EPDM/organoclay nanocomposites: Effect of the clay exfoliation on structure and physical properties

The preparation of ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM)/organoclay nanocomposites was studied by melt blending method. The maleic anhydride modified EPDM oligomer (EPDM-MA) was used as a compatibilizer. The effect of organoclay on structure of nanocomposites was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The absence of basal plane peak in XRD results and homogeneously dispersed clay platelets in EPDM matrix, which is shown by TEM photograph suggests that the EPDM clay nanocomposits are exfoliated. The mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites were examined to evaluate the influence of the organoclay on the physical properties. The results show remarkable improvement relative to that of EPDM without clay. To prepare EPDM-clay nanocomposites by a straightforward method, a second process was implemented. It was found that the properties of nanocomposites prepared by both methods are nearly the same; however the second method has lower cost and it is industrially more practical.