Effect of SEBS on morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties of PP/organoclay nanocomposites

A simultaneously increase in stiffness and toughness is needed for improving polypropylene (PP) competitiveness in automotive industry. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of styrene-(ethylene-co-butylene)-styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS) on mechanical and thermal properties of PP, in the presence and the absence of nanoclay. The amount of SEBS in PP was ranged to obtain the matrix with the most favorable stiffness–toughness balance. For this purpose, SEBS domain size and distribution in PP/SEBS blends was determined by means of atomic force microscopy and correlated with mechanical properties. The influence of SEBS on the crystalline structure of PP in PP/organoclay nanocomposites was investigated by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, a synergistic effect of SEBS and nanoclay being pointed out. Moreover large improvement in the impact strength (almost 22 times) was obtained in the case of SEBS-containing nanocomposite in comparison with the composite without SEBS.     

Thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites from poly[styrene–(ethylene‐co‐butylene)–styrene] triblock copolymer and clay: Preparation and characterization

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)–clay nanocomposites based on poly[styrene–(ethylene‐co‐butylene)–styrene] triblock copolymer (SEBS) were prepared. Natural sodium montmorillonite (MMT) clay was organically modified by octadecyl amine to produce an amine‐modified hydrophobic nanoclay (OC). Commercially available Cloisite 20A (CL20) and Cloisite 10A, tallow ammine modified nanoclays, were also used. The intergallery spacing of MMT increased on amine modification as suggested by the shifting of the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) peak from 7.6 to 4.5 and 3.8° in the cases of OC and CL20, respectively. The latter demonstrated no XRD peak when it was used at 2 and 4 parts phr in the SEBS system. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed the intercalation–exfoliation morphology in SEBS containing 4 parts of CL20₄–SEBS, agglomeration in SEBS having 4 parts of MMT, and mixed morphology in SEBS with 4 parts of OC systems. Locations of the clay particles were indicated by the atomic force micrographs. Mechanical and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies confirmed the best properties with the CL20₄–SEBS nanocomposites. Significant improvements in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, work to break, and elongation at break were achieved with the CL20₄–SEBS in polymer‐layered silicate nanocomposites. Dynamic mechanical studies further showed the affinity of the organoclays toward both segments of the TPE and a compatibilization effect with CL20 at a 4‐phr loading. Atomic force microscopy showed distinctly different morphologies in nanocomposites prepared through solution and melt processing. Comparisons of the mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and morphological properties of the nanocomposites prepared by melt and solution intercalation processes were done. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2040–2052, 2006     

Mechanical and thermal properties of toughened PA6/HDPE/SEBS‐g‐MA/Clay nanocomposite

Preparation and morphology of Polyamide 6 (PA6)/high density polyethylene (HDPE)/Styrene/Ethylene–Butylene/Styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA)/Modified clay nanocomposites were studied. Mixing was performed using melting process in an extruder co‐rotating twin screw. After etching the materials with boiling toluene and THF at room temperature, the morphology of sample checked by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) used for evaluation of the effects of organo‐clay addition in the structure of nanocomposites. XRD traces showed that the characteristic (001) peak of the nanocomposites shifted to the lower degree region. XRD and SEM results showed more uniformly distribution and dispersion of HDPE in the PA6 matrix. Better sample morphology obtained, regarding less distance, and more uniformity between nanoparticles. The mechanical properties like tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and thermal properties of these toughened nanocomposites are discussed in terms of the nanoclay, SEBS‐g‐MA contents and morphology. Adding nanoclay improved hardness of nanocomposites product but reduced toughness and thermal properties. Meanwhile the presence of SEBS‐g‐MA as a compatibilizer improved toughness, thermal properties, hardness property, and the balance properties are achieved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:29–33, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of Organo-Modified Montmorillonite on the Morphology and Properties of SEBS/TPU Nanocomposites

In this study, novel polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/organo-modified montmorillonites (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing. Three different organo-modified montmorillonites, DK2, DK3, and DK4 (listed in descending order of hydrophilicity) were selected. The compatibilizing and reinforcing effects of OMMT on the structure, morphology, thermal stability, mechanical and rheological properties of the SEBS/TPU blends were studied. It was found that the hydrophilic DK2 nanoparticles were largely located in the continuous TPU phase and partially dispersed at the phase interphase, whereas DK3 and DK4 nanoparticles were preferentially located at the phase interface with an intercalated/exfoliated and intercalated structure, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that SEBS/TPU/OMMT nanocomposites exhibited a more densely organized and interconnected structure compared with SEBS/TPU blends. Better thermal property was achieved after adding DK3, with the tensile properties of the SEBS/TPU increased considerably. Rheological analysis revealed that hydrophilic DK2 nanoparticles were more effective in improving rheology properties and showed a more pronounced nonlinear effect. The prepared SEBS/TPU/OMMT nanocomposites displayed desired thermal, mechanical and rheological properties, which are important for many applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:850–859, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structural,rheological, and mechanical properties of PA6/SAN/SEBS ternary blend/organoclay nanocomposites

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nanoclay addition on the morphological and mechanical properties of PA6/SAN/SEBS ternary blend. Two different nanoclays with different modifiers and two different mixing sequences were used to investigate the role of thermodynamic and kinetic, respectively, in the nanoclays localization. XRD, SEM, TEM, melt rheology, tensile and Izod impact tests were used to characterize the nanocomposites. Results of characterization of nanocomposites showed that clay localization is a very influential parameter to determine the type of morphology and, consequently, mechanical properties of ternary/clay nanocomposites. It was demonstrated that presence of nanoclay in the matrix results in the increase of stiffness, while localization of nanoclay at the interface improves the toughness and tensile strength. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41969.     

Effect of Nanoparticles on Mechanical and Flame-retardant Properties of Polyether-Block-Polyamide Polymer Nanocomposites

In this study, polyester elastomer-based thermoplastic (TPEE) nanocomposites were fabricated for flame-retardant applications. Small amounts of graphene and nanoclay were added to the nanocomposites to investigate their effects on the mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The addition of a phosphorous flame-retardant additive resulted in a significant improvement of the Young’s modulus and thus yield stress in the synthesized nanocomposites as compared to those made with the virgin TPEE. There was no synergistic improvement in mechanical properties with the addition of graphene and nanoclay to the nanocomposites. However, thermal properties, mainly the heat deflection temperature and fire performance (UL-94 V0), were improved significantly by the addition of graphene and nanoclay and a synergistic effect was observed. Heat distortion temperature and thermogravimetric analysis were used to analyze the thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The UL-94 testing method was used to investigate the fire performance of the nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the polymer fracture surface morphology. The dispersion of the graphene and nanoclay particles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis.     

Polyurethane/clay nanocomposites reinforced with carbon and glass fibres: study of mechanical and thermal properties,and the effect of electron beam irradiation

Polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites with 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7?wt-% nanoclay contents were prepared. X-ray diffraction patterns, transmission electron microscopy images, tensile test, and thermogravimetric analysis were utilised to reveal the morphological, mechanical, and thermal-resistant properties of the prepared nanocomposites. The exfoliated structure was obtained for nanoclay contents up to 3?wt-%. Incorporation of nanoclay to the PU matrix prompted the thermal stability of the polymer. A nanocomposite filled with 3?wt-% nanoclay showed the best tensile strength in the prepared nanocomposites. Subsequently, the nanocomposite with the 3?wt-% nanoclay was reinforced with carbon and glass fibres. Reinforcement of the PU/nanoclay matrix with carbon and glass fibres significantly ameliorated the tensile properties. Finally, the effects of the electron beam irradiation on the nanocomposites and fibre-reinforced composites were studied. Irradiation with the doses up to 500?kGy enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties. However, further irradiation deteriorated the mechanical and thermal-resistant properties.     

Preparation of a long-alkyl-chain silane grafted organic montmorillonite and its nanocomposite with SEBS

In this study, a modified montmorillonite (W-H-OMMT) was prepared by intercalating pristine montmorillonite using a phosphorus salt and a subsequent grafting using a long-alkyl-chain silane, and the nanocomposites with poly[styrene–(ethylene-co-butylene)–styrene] (SEBS) were prepared by melt blending. The pristine and the modified MMT were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, XPS and SEM. The morphology of the SEBS nanocomposites was studied using XRD, SEM and TEM, and the results can be correlated well with transparency, color, surface contact angle, rheological behavior, thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. As compared with pristine and the modified clay, more uniform dispersion and improved compatibility are observed for the W-H-OMMT in the SEBS matrix, resulting in better transparency and more hydrophobic surface for the SEBS/W-H-OMMT nanocomposite. Better thermal stability, a synergetic effect in tensile strength and elongation at break were observed, which can be attributed to well dispersion of the W-H-OMMT, as well as perfect adhesion between the W-H-OMMT and the SEBS matrix from the enhanced molecular interaction between the long-alkyl chain and the SEBS molecules. Compared to pure SEBS, the strength and elongation of SEBS/W-H-OMMT nanocomposite increased by 8.5 and 7.6 %; meanwhile, the water contact angel and the 50 % weight loss temperature increased by 5.3 and 13.1 %, respectively. Appropriate silane grafted organic montmorillonite provided an efficient way for the overall performance improvement of SEBS.     

Enhanced properties of poly(styrene–b–ethylene–co–butylene–b–styrene) nanocomposites with in situ construction of interconnected graphene network

In this work, such elastomeric nanocomposites were fabricated with graphene (GE) sheets selectively distributing between polymer matrices and forming three-dimensional networks. The solvent evaporation process was first introduced to produce poly(styrene–ethylene–co–butadiene–b–styrene) (SEBS) microspheres and then reduced GE oxide attached to the surface of SEBS microspheres via electrostatic interaction and sonication-assisted reduction. The microstructure of nanocomposites, prepared by compression molding using SEBS/GE microspheres, was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that interconnected GE networks formed in heat-pressing composite and was destroyed after twin-roll mixing. The SEBS/GE nanocomposites showed enhanced electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The electrical resistivity of nanocomposites obtained via heat-pressing reached to 1.1 × 10³ Ω m at a 2.5 wt % (1.07 vol %) content of GE. The thermal and mechanical properties were also characterized. It was found that the initial degradation temperature increased by nearly 40 °C and the mechanical properties continued to rise with GE content below 0.5 wt %. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47118.     

Influence of carbon black in polychloroprene organoclay nanocomposite with improved mechanical,electrical and morphology characteristics

Abstract

The effect of carbon black on nanoclay filled polychloroprene (CR) composites has been investigated. The nanoclay loading is fixed at 5 part per hundred rubbers (phr), and carbon black loading varied from 5 to 20 phr in rubber compounds. The rubber nanocomposites are prepared in laboratory by mixing in two-roll mill. The addition of nanoclay enhances mechanical properties especially tear strength and decreases water absorption without change in electrical properties compared to gum rubber vulcanisates. Wide angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy are used to study the microstructure of CR nanocomposites. The addition of 5 parts of nanoclay to 15 phr carbon black filled samples shows synergistic effect between the fillers and suggests that the reinforcement is due to a more developed filler network formation in hybrid filler system than that in single phase filler. Significant improvement in mechanical, electrical and low water absorption properties has been obtained with these nanoclay and carbon black filled rubber nanocomposites. The paper concludes that nanocomposites containing a mixture of organoclay and carbon black in right proportion can be a substitute for rubber components used in underwater cable and device encapsulation applications.     

Influence of addition of styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene copolymer on rheological,mechanical, and tribological properties of polyamide nanocomposites

To develop new tribomaterials for mechanical sliding parts, investigations were carried out on the influence of adding styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene block copolymer (SEBS) on the rheological, mechanical, and tribological properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposite, which is a commercial product of layered silicate (clay) filled polyamide 6 (PA6/Clay). Two kinds of block copolymers, unmodified SEBS (SEBS) and maleic anhydride‐grafted SEBS (SEBS‐g‐MA), were added with PA6/Clay nanocomposite. Dynamic viscoelastic properties in the molten state of these nanocomposites and their tensile, impact, and tribological properties of these nanocomposites were evaluated. Dynamic viscoelastic properties were found to increase with the addition of SEBS and were influenced, in particular, by block copolymers containing SEBS‐g‐MA. Influence of the addition of SEBS on mechanical properties of these systems differed for each mechanical property. Although tensile properties decreased with SEBS, Izod impact properties were improved with the addition of SEBS‐g‐MA. Tribological properties were improved with the addition of block copolymer, and the influence of the amount of addition was higher than the type of block copolymer used. These results indicate that new tribomaterials developed have sufficient balance amongst moldability, mechanical, and tribological properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical,thermal and dynamic‐mechanical behavior of banana fiber reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

Natural fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites based on polypropylene/nanoclay/banana fibers were fabricated by melt mixing in a twin‐screw extruder followed by compression molding in this current study. Maleic anhydride polypropylene copolymer (MA‐g‐PP) was used as a compatibilizer to increase the compatibility between the PP matrix, clay, and banana fiber to enhance exfoliation of organoclay and dispersion of fibers into the polymer matrix. Variation in mechanical, thermal, and physico‐mechanical properties with the addition of banana fiber into the PP nanocomposites was investigated. It was observed that 3 wt% of nanoclay and 5 wt% of MA‐g‐PP within PP matrix resulted in an increase in tensile and flexural strength by 41.3% and 45.6% as compared with virgin PP. Further, incorporation of 30 wt% banana fiber in PP nanocomposites system increases the tensile and flexural strength to the tune of 27.1% and 15.8%, respectively. The morphology of fiber reinforced PP nanocomposites has been examined by using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Significant enhancement in the thermal stability of nanocomposites was also observed due to the presence of nanoclay under thermogravimetric analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis tests revealed an increase in storage modulus (E′) and damping factor (tan δ), conforming the strong interaction between nanoclay/banana fiberand MA‐g‐PP in the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites systems. POLYM. COMPOS., © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Mechanical,thermal, and morphological properties of injection molded poly(lactic acid)/SEBS‐g‐MAH/organo‐montmorillonite nanocomposites

Poly(lactic acid)/organo‐montmorillonite (PLA/OMMT) nanocomposites toughened with maleated styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene (SEBS‐g‐MAH) were prepared by melt‐compounding using co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. The dispersibility and intercalation/exfoliation of OMMT in PLA was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties of the PLA nanocomposites was investigated by tensile and Izod impact tests. Thermogravimetric analyzer and differential scanning calorimeter were used to study the thermal behaviors of the nanocomposite. The homogenous dispersion of the OMMT silicate layers and SEBS‐g‐MAH encapsulated OMMT layered silicate can be observed from TEM. Impact strength and elongation at break of the PLA nanocomposites was enhanced significantly by the addition of SEBS‐g‐MAH. Thermal stability of the PLA/OMMT nanocomposites was improved in the presence of SEBS‐g‐MAH. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Preparation of dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites based on LLDPE/reclaimed rubber

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers nanocomposites (TPV nanocomposites) based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/reclaimed rubber/organoclay were prepared via one‐step melt blending process. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE‐g‐MA) was used as a compatibilizing agent. The effects of reclaimed rubber content (10, 30, and 50 wt %), nanoclay content (3, 5, and 7 wt %), and PE‐g‐MA on the microstructure, thermal behavior, mechanical properties, and rheological behavior of the nanocomposites were studied. The TPV nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter, mechanical properties, and rheometry in small amplitude oscillatory shear. SEM photomicrographs of the etched samples showed that the elastomer particles were dispersed homogeneously throughout the polyethylene matrix and the size of rubber particles was reduced with introduction of the organoclay particles and compatibilizer. The effects of different nanoclay contents, different rubber contents, and compatibilizer on mechanical properties were investigated. Increasing the amount of nanoclay content and adding the compatibilizer result in an improvement of the tensile modulus of the TPV nanocomposite samples. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effect of clay content and clay/surfactant on the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites

In the present paper, three ammonium salts namely, tetraethylammonium bromide (TEAB), tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were employed to prepare organoclay by cation exchange process. Polystyrene (PS) /clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending using commercial nanoclay and organoclays prepared using above mentioned salts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicated that the modified clays were intercalated and/or exfoliated into the polystyrene matrix to a higher extent than the commercial nanoclay. Further, amongst the modified organoclays, TBAB modified clay showed maximum intercalation of clay layers and also exfoliation to some extent into the polystyrene matrix. TEM micrograph exhibited that TBAB modified clay had the best nanoscale dispersion with clay platelet thickness of ∼6–7 nm only. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites such as tensile, flexural and izod impact strength were measured and analyzed in relation to their morphology. We observed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of polystyrene/clay nanocomposites prepared with modified clays as compared to commercial organoclay, which followed the order as; PS/TBAB system > PS/CTAB system > PS/TEAB system. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that T₁₀, T₅₀ and Tmax were more in case of polystyrene nanocomposites prepared using modified organoclays than nanoclay [nanolin DK4] and maximum being in the case of PS/CTAB system. The results of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) confirmed that the glass transition temperature of all the nanocomposites was higher as compared to neat polystyrene. The nanocomposites having 2% of TBAB modified clay showed better oxygen barrier performance as compared to polystyrene.     

Rigid PVC/(layered silicate) nanocomposites produced through a novel melt‐blending approach

On the basis of the fusion behavior of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), the influence of compounding route on the properties of PVC/(layered silicate) nanocomposites was studied. Four different compounding addition sequences were examined during the melt compounding of PVC with montmorillonite (MMT) clay, including (a) a direct dry mixing of PVC and nanoclay, (b) an addition of nanoclay at compaction, (c) an addition of nanoclay at the onset of fusion, and (d) an addition of nanoclay at equilibrium torque. Both unmodified sodium montmorillonite (Na⁺‐MMT) and organically modified montmorillonite (Org.‐MMT) clays were used, and the effect of the addition sequence of the clay during compounding on its dispersion in the matrix was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron miscroscopy. The surface color change, dynamic mechanical analysis, and flexural and tensile properties of PVC/clay nanocomposites were also studied. The experimental results indicated that both the extent of property improvement and the dispersion of nanoparticles in PVC/(layered silicate) nanocomposites are strongly influenced by the degree of gelation achieved in PVC compounds during processing. The addition of nanoclay to PVC must be accomplished at the onset of fusion, when PVC particles are reduced in size, in order to produce nanocomposites with better nanodispersion and enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, rigid PVC nanocomposites with unmodified clay (Na⁺‐MMT) were more thermally stable and exhibited better mechanical properties than their counterparts with organically modified clay (Org.‐MMT). J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improved mechanical and thermal properties of bamboo–epoxy nanocomposites

Natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid composites based on bamboo/epoxy/nanoclay were prepared. Ultrasound sonication was used for the dispersion of nanoclay in the bamboo–epoxy composites. The morphology of bamboo–epoxy nanocomposites was investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The results show that there exists an optimum limit in which the mechanical properties of composites improved by continuously increasing the nanoclay content. The tensile and flexural strength of bamboo–epoxy nanocomposites with 3 wt% nanoclay increased by 40% and 27%, respectively, as compared to pure composites. The highest value of impact strength was obtained for 1 wt% nanoclay content bamboo–epoxy nanocomposites. The enhanced impact strength of bamboo–epoxy nanocomposites was one of the key advantages brought by nanofiller. The results show that incorporation of nanoclay substantially increases the water resistance capability and thermal stability of bamboo–epoxy nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Property enhancement in polypropylene ternary blend nanocomposites via a novel poly(ethylene oxide)‐grafted polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene/butylene)‐block‐polystyrene toughener–compatibilizer system

Synthesis and characterization of a novel toughener–compatibilizer for polypropylene (PP)–montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were conducted to provide enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks were synthetically grafted onto maleic anhydride‐grafted polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethylene/butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS‐g‐MA). Special attention was paid to emphasize the effect of PEO‐grafted SEBS (SEBS‐g‐PEO) against SEBS‐g‐MA on morphology, static/dynamic mechanical properties and surface hydrophilicity of the resultant blends and nanocomposites. It was found that the silicate layers of neat MMT are well separated by PEO chains chemically bonded to nonpolar SEBS polymer without needing any organophilic modification of the clay as confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses. From scanning electron microscopy analyses, elastomeric domains interacting with MMT layers via PEO sites were found to be distributed in the PP matrix with higher number and smaller sizes than the corresponding blend. As a benefit of PEO grafting, SEBS‐g‐PEO‐containing nanocomposite exhibited not only higher toughness/impact strength but also increased creep recovery, as compared to corresponding SEBS‐g‐MA‐containing nanocomposite and neat PP. The damping parameter of the same nanocomposite was also found to be high in a broad range of temperatures as another advantage of the SEBS‐g‐PEO toughener–compatibilizer. The water contact angles of the blends and nanocomposites were found to be lower than that of neat hydrophobic PP which is desirable for finishing processes such as dyeing and coating. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Sound isolation properties of polycarbonate/clay and polycarbonate/silica nanocomposites

The soundproofing properties of polycarbonate (PC)/nanoclay and PC/nanosilica nanocomposites were studied through testing and theoretical analysis. Nanocomposite sheets with a 3 mm thickness were fabricated by direct hot-compression molding process. The nanoclay and nanosilica particles were incorporated into the PC matrix by a twin-screw extruder. The dispersion efficiency of 1, 3 and 5 wt% nanoclay and nanosilica in the PC matrix was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed for evaluation of mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Sound transmission loss (STL) was measured by an impedance tube over the frequency range of 1600–6300 Hz, and further employed in sound proofing characterizations of nanocomposites. A new finite element model was developed to model the sound transmission loss in impedance tube test. The results showed that the PC/3 wt% nanoclay and 3 wt% nanosilica nanocomposites had an average maximum increase of 5.5 and 6 dB in STL values in the stiffness control region (1600–3600 Hz), respectively. On the other hand, the PC/3 wt% nanoclay and PC/3 wt% nanosilica nanocomposites showed the same sound isolation characteristics in the frequency range of 1600–3600 Hz. In addition, the finite element model developed for modeling the sound transmission loss in the impedance tube demonstrated a good correlation between the theoretical curves and the experimental results in the stiffness control region for both nanocomposites.     

Mechanical,morphological, and thermal properties of nanotalc reinforced PA6/SEBS‐g‐MA composites

Ternary butylene‐styrene‐g‐maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) (100/20 w/w) blend with varying content of nanotalc (1, 3, and 5 wt %) were prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the results show that the thermal properties of nanocomposites are slightly improved by the addition of nanotalc content. The morphology of nanocomposites using wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the delamination of talc layers in the ternary nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical properties of the samples were analyzed by using dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The results show that the storage modulus of the blend monotonically increased while tan δ curve show the diffuse pattern with the nanotalc content. The mechanical properties of PA6/SEBS‐g‐MA nanocomposites were studied by tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The tensile and flexural properties continuously increased while izod impact and elongation‐at‐break decreased with nanotalc content. Various theoretical predictive models were used to correlate tensile modulus with the experimental data. The experimental data shows the positive deviation with the applied models. Bela Pukanszky model has been used to calculate the value of parameter B by employing tensile strength data. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41381.