Effect of nano clay on the constrained polymer volume of chlorobutyl rubber nanocomposites

The dynamic mechanical properties of chlorobutyl rubber nanocomposites containing different varieties of clay have been investigated. The clay moieties have been chosen so that they vary in their organic modification, modifier concentration, and d spacing. The viscoelastic properties such as storage modulus, damping behavior, and loss modulus of polymer composites depends on matrix filler interaction, crystallinity, and extent of crosslinking. The prepared composites were characterized by X Ray Diffraction, and the extend of exfoliation/intercalation was studied. It has been observed that the storage modulus of the composites increased with the addition of filler due to the enhancement in stiffness of the material. The damping behavior was found to decrease with the addition of filler and this was attributed to the restricted movement of the polymer segments. The higher surface area to volume ratio of the layered silicate resulted in the better interaction between the polymer matrix and filler. The variation of loss as well as storage modulus of the nanocomposites were evaluated as a function of filler loading, and a comparison of the properties of the rubber nanocomposites containing different organic clay was also carried out. Finally, a calculation of constrained volume of polymer chains was done in the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2135–2139, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineer     

Effect of surface modification of silicon carbide nanoparticles on the properties of nanocomposites based on epoxidized natural rubber/natural rubber blends

Improvement of the properties of rubber nanocomposites is a challenge for the rubber industry because of the need for higher performance materials. Addition of a nanometer‐sized filler such as silicon carbide (SiC) to enhance the mechanical properties of rubber nanocomposites has rarely been attempted. The main problem associated with using SiC nanoparticles as a reinforcing natural rubber (NR) filler compound is poor dispersion of SiC in the NR matrix because of their incompatibility. To solve this problem, rubber nanocomposites were prepared with SiC that had undergone surface modification with azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and used as a filler in blends of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and natural rubber. The effect of surface modification and ENR content on the curing characteristics, dynamic mechanical properties, morphology and heat buildup of the blends were investigated. The results showed that modification of SiC with AIBN resulted in successful bonding to the surface of SiC. It was found that modified SiC nanoparticles were well dispersed in the ENR/NR matrix, leading to good filler‐rubber interaction and improved compatibility between the rubber and filler in comparison with unmodified SiC. The mechanical properties and heat buildup when modified SiC was used as filled in ENR/NR blends were improved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45289.     

Novel in situ polydimethylsiloxane-sepiolite nanocomposites: Structure-property relationship

A series of novel in situ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-sepiolite nanocomposites were synthesized by anionic ring opening polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane. These nanocomposites were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties and thermogravimetry. This paper highlights the structure-property relationship of in situ PDMS-sepiolite nanocomposites and a way to improve the mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of silicone rubber. Comparison of these physico-mechanical properties with those of the ex situ nanocomposites reflects greater degree of filler dispersion for the in situ nanocomposites. Increasing amount of the filler reduced the size of the crystalline domains in PDMS matrix, which was evident from the X-Ray and the dynamic mechanical analysis. However, the polymer-filler interaction was even more prominent to negate the effect of the deterioration of the properties due to decrease in size of the microcrystallites. The polymer-filler interaction was reflected in the improved mechanical and thermal properties which were the consequences of proper dispersion of the filler in the polymer matrix. The modulus improvement of the rubber-clay nanocomposites was examined by using Guth and Halpin-Tsai model. The temperature of maximum degradation was raised by 167 °C and improvement of 210% in tensile strength and 460% in modulus at 100% elongation was observed. These results were correlated with the data obtained from WAXD and TEM studies.     

Preparation and properties of natural rubber nanocomposites with solid‐state organomodified montmorillonite

A novel organomodified montmorillonite prepared by solid‐state method and its nanocomposites with natural rubber were studied. The nanocomposites were prepared by traditional rubber mixing and vulcanizing process. The properties of solid‐state organomodified montmorillonite were investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dispersion of the layered silicate in rubber matrix was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that the nanocomposites consisting of solid‐state organomodified montmorillonite and natural rubber are obtained. The solid‐state organomodified montmorillonite can not only accelerate the curing process, but also improve the mechanical and aging resistance properties of NR. The properties improvement caused by the fillers are attributed to partial intercalation of the organophilic clay by NR macromolecules. In addition, the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed a decrease of tanδmax and increase of T_g when the organoclay is added to the rubber matrix, which is due to the confinement of the macromolecular segments into the organoclay nanolayers and the strong interaction between the filler and rubber matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Silica and diatomite fillers modified fluorine rubber composites treated by silane‐coupling agents

The fluorine rubber nanocomposites were prepared by using the silane‐coupling agents treated silica and diatomite, in which 3‐amino propyltriethoxysilane (KH550), 3‐mercapto‐propyl trimethoxysilane (KH590), and bis‐(γ‐triethoxysilylpropyl)‐tetrasulfide (Si69) of the coupling agent were used as the filler modifiers to increase the compatibility between filler and fluorine rubber. The structure and morphology of the composites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The T_g and thermal stability of the composites were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the best coupling agent was KH550 and 2 phr (parts per hundred rubber). The KH550‐modified compound filler was crosslinked with fluorine rubber, and the compatibility between filler and fluorine rubber was improved and further confirmed to improve the thermal properties of fluorine rubber with the KH550‐modified filler. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:55–61, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Styrene butadiene rubber/epoxidized natural rubber/carbon filler nanocomposites: microstructural development and cure characterization

Microstructural development of elastomeric nanocomposites based on (50/50 wt%) styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and epoxidized natural rubber (50 mol% epoxidation, ENR50) as the rubber matrix including two types of carbon fillers, carbon black (CB) and functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (NH₂-MWCNT), which were prepared through melt mixing, was studied. The results from FTIR analysis show that there is interaction between functional groups on MWCNT surface and the rubber chains. The AFM analysis also indicates good dispersion of filler particles in the rubber phases. FESEM images from cryo-fractured surface of samples have revealed that nanotubes were rarely pulled out of matrix and their diameter increased, resulting from good interaction between MWCNTs and rubber chains. The DMA results confirm good interfacial interaction between them. Furthermore, the reduced difference between the two T_gs of phases (ΔT_g) shows that the incorporation of 3 phr MWCNT into the blend leads to increment in rubber phase compatibility but at higher MWCNT content (5 phr) due to lower Mooney viscosity of SBR phase, MWCNTs tend to remain in this phase. The bound rubber was adopted to characterize the polymer–filler interaction, showing that bound rubber content has an increasing trend with increasing in fillers content. The cure rheometric studies reveal that MWCNTs accelerate the cure process due to the presence of amine groups on the nanotube surface. In addition, the mechanical properties of samples show an increasing trend by increasing nano-filler content.

     

Dynamic properties of star‐shaped,solution‐polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber and its cocoagulated rubber‐filled with silica/carbon black

The dynamic properties, including the dynamic mechanical properties, flex fatigue properties, dynamic compression properties, and rolling loss properties, of star‐shaped solution‐polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) and organically modified nanosilica powder/star‐shaped styrene–butadiene rubber cocoagulated rubber (N‐SSBR), both filled with silica/carbon black (CB), were studied. N‐SSBR was characterized by ¹H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography, energy dispersive spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the silica particles were homogeneously dispersed in the N‐SSBR matrix. In addition, the N‐SSBR/SiO₂/CB–rubber compounds' high bound rubber contents implied good filler–polymer interactions. Compared with SSBR filled with silica/CB, the N‐SSBR filled with these fillers exhibited better flex fatigue resistance and a lower Payne effect, internal friction loss, compression permanent set, compression heat buildup, and power loss. The nanocomposites with excellent flex fatigue resistance showed several characteristics of branched, thick, rough, homogeneously distributed cross‐sectional cracks, tortuous flex crack paths, few stress concentration points, and obscure interfaces with the matrix. Accordingly, N‐SSBR would be an ideal matrix for applications in the tread of green tires. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40348.     

Structure–properties investigations in hydrophilic nanocomposites based on polyurethane/poly(2–hydroxyethyl methacrylate) semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks and nanofiller densil for biomedical application

Nanocomposites based on sequential semi–interpenetrating polymer networks (semi–IPNs) of crosslinked polyurethane and linear poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) filled with 1–15 wt % of nanofiller densil were prepared and investigated. Nanofiller densil used in an attempt to control the microphase separation of the polymer matrix by polymer–filler interactions. The morphology (SAXS, AFM), mechanical properties (stress–strain), thermal transitions (DSC) and polymer dynamics (DRS, TSDC) of the nanocomposites were investigated. Special attention has been paid to the raising of the hydration properties and the dynamics of water molecules in the nanocomposites in the perspective of biomedical applications. Nanoparticles were found to aggregate partially for higher than 3 and 5 wt % filler loading in semi–IPNs with 17 and 37 wt % PHEMA, respectively. The results show that the good hydration properties of the semi–IPN matrix are preserved in the nanocomposites, which in combination with results of thermal and dielectric techniques revealed also the existence of polymer–polymer and polymer–filler interactions. These interactions results also in the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites in compare with the neat matrix. The improvement of mechanical properties in combination with hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of nanocomposites are promising for use these materials for biomedical application namely as surgical films for wound treatment and as material for producing the medical devises. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43122.     

Crystallization,mechanical, and fracture behavior of mullite fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites

This study describes the reinforcement effect of surface modified mullite fibers on the crystallization, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP). The nanocomposites were developed using polypropylene‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) as compatibilizer with different weight ratios (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 wt %) of amine functionalized mullite fibers (AMUF) via solution blending method. Chemical grafting of AMUF with PP‐g‐MA resulted in enhanced filler dispersion in the polymer as well as effective filler‐polymer interactions. The dispersion of nanofiller in the polymer matrix was identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) elemental mapping and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. AMUF increased the Young's modulus of PP in the nanocomposites up to a 5 wt % filler content, however, at 10 wt % loading, a decrease in the modulus resulted due to agglomeration of AMUF. The impact strength of PP increased simultaneously with the modulus as a function of AMUF content (up to 5 wt %). The mechanical properties of PP‐AMUF nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal performance as compared to pure PP matrix, thus, confirming the overall potential of the generated composites for a variety of structural applications. The mechanical properties of 5 wt % of AMUF filled PP nanocomposite were also compared with PP nanocomposites generated with unmodified MUF and the results confirmed superior mechanical properties on incorporation of modified filler. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43725.     

Impacts of interfacial interaction on properties of melamine formaldehyde microsphere/rubber: I. filler dispersion and curing dynamic

Melamine formaldehyde microsphere (MF) was incorporated into nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), respectively. The interaction between MF and rubber and effects of interfacial interaction on the dispersion of filler in rubber matrix, dynamic mechanical analysis, vulcanisation characteristics and kinetics were studied. The results showed that MF interacted with NBR through hydrogen bonds while there had no observed interaction between MF and SBR. The parameter b of MF/NBR calculated by the ratio of modulus and strains increased significantly, which demonstrated further the strong interaction between MF and NBR. For MF/SBR system, however, the parameter b changed slightly with little polymer–filler interaction. The Scanning Electron Microscope images released that strong polymer–filler interaction caused the uniform dispersion of MF in NBR matrix. The vulcanisation of MF/rubber was fitted by Ghoreishy’s model, and the addition of MF increased the rate of curing, shear modulus of compound and activity energy.     

Transport and solvent sensing characteristics of styrene butadiene rubber nanocomposites containing imidazolium ionic liquid modified carbon nanotubes

Obtaining strong interfacial interaction between filler and polymer matrix is very crucial for the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites with superior performance. Present study is aimed to fabricate high performance styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposites with imidazolium type ionic liquid modified multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Ionic liquid facilitates the dispersion of MWCNT in rubber matrix and it is obvious from transmission electron microscopy images. Diffusion of toluene through SBR nanocomposite membranes has been investigated as a function of surface modified MWCNT (f-MWCNT) content to analyze the chain dynamics and filler-polymer interactions. O₂ gas barrier effect of nanocomposites with special reference to the filler loading is explored. The substantial improvement in the barrier effect in presence of filler interpreted on the grounds of a theoretical model describing permeability of heterogeneous systems. Finally solvent sensing characteristics of prepared nanocomposites are also analyzed and it is observed that prepared nanocomposites can be used as a flexible solvent sensor.     

MWCNT/Hectorite hybrid filled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/ ethylene-co-vinyl acetate blend nanocomposites: preparation and properties

Multiwalled carbon nanotube/hectorite hybrid filler (HMH) was prepared by simple dry grinding method. It was subsequently used for the reinforcement of technologically compatible acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/ ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) blend through solution intercalation method. Analysis of the prepared blend nanocomposites confirms homogeneous dispersion of the constituent fillers in the polymer matrix and significant interaction between two types of constituent fillers. Mechanical properties of NBR/EVA blend are significantly improved with HMH content up to 4 wt.% followed by reversion. Maximum improvement observed in tensile strength, elongation at break and toughness are 106%, 37% and 171% respectively without significant rise in Young’s modulus. Results also show best dynamic mechanical and dielectric response at 4 wt.% and 3 wt.% HMH content respectively. Enhanced mechanical, dynamic mechanical and dielectric properties of the blend nanocomposites attained may be attributed to fair degree of compatibility between the two polymer matrices, homogeneous dispersion of fillers and improved polymer-filler interaction.     

Synergistic reinforcement of NBR by hybrid filler system including organoclay and nano‐CaCO3

Rubber nanocomposites containing one type of nanofiller are common and are widely established in the research field. In this study, nitrile rubber (NBR) based ternary nanocomposites containing modified silicate (Cloisite 30B) and also nano‐calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO₃) were prepared using a laboratory internal mixer (simple melt mixing). Effects of the hybrid filler system (filler phase have two kind of fillers) on the cure rheometry, morphology, swelling, and mechanical and dynamic–mechanical properties of the NBR were investigated. Concentration of nano‐CaCO₃ [0, 5, 10, and 15 parts per one hundred parts of rubber by weight (phr)] and organoclay (0, 3, and 6 phr) in NBR was varied. The microstructure and homogeneity of the compounds were confirmed by studying the dispersion of nanoparticles in NBR via X‐ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Based on the results of morphology and mechanical properties, the dual‐filler phase nanocomposites (hybrid nanocomposite) have higher performance in comparison with single‐filler phase nanocomposites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42744.     

An investigation on the bound rubber and dynamic mechanical properties of polystyrene particles‐filled elastomer

Polymeric nanoparticles have many advantages as the reinforcing filler of rubber. To investigate the mechanism of the reinforcement, nanocomposites of poly(styrene‐butadiene) rubber (SBR) filled with polystyrene (PS) particles as the reinforcing agents was prepared. Morphology and dynamical mechanical properties of PS particles‐filled SBR were investigated. It was found that the polymer chains of the elastomer could be absorbed onto the PS particles, in reminiscent to the concept of bound rubber in inorganic filler‐filled elastomeric system. The adsorbed polymer layer can form up glassy bridges between neighboring filler particles, leading to the agglomeration of the filler particles and the reinforcement of the elastomer. With higher filler content or smaller filler size, the numbers of the glassy bridges increase, and the modulus of the elastomer increases. With higher strain or higher temperature, the filler–filler interaction is disrupted and the material is softened. The study discovered the existence of bound rubber in PS particles‐filled elastomer and illustrated its influence on the dynamic mechanical properties, which could be helpful to design the polymeric nanoparticles for rubber reinforcement. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1112–1117, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Contribution of physico-chemical properties of interfaces on dispersibility, adhesion and flocculation of filler particles in rubber

Reinforcing fillers are added to elastomeric compounds to improve and adjust several mechanical, dynamical, tribological, etc. properties with respect to different applications, i.e. for automotive tires, or technical rubber goods. Carbon black and precipitated silica are widely used as rubber reinforcing fillers; however, some new classes of nanosized substances like organophilic modified clay or carbon nanotubes are presently intensive studied as possible future filler systems in combination with carbon black or silica.An important parameter for the dispersibility and compatibility of the filler in the polymer matrix of rubber compounds is the surface energy and surface polarity of the solid filler particles. Therefore, we systematically measured and compared the dynamic contact angles of a collection of different filler types (carbon blacks, silica, carbon nanotubes and organoclays) using the Wilhelmy method, whereby the particles were fixed as a thin layer at a double-sided adhesive tape. From the contact angle values the polar and disperse part of the surface energies of the filler particles were calculated by fitting Fowkes formula. For an estimation of the compatibility of the fillers with different types of rubber polymers we additionally analyzed the surface energy and polarity of the gum (unfilled) elastomers. From the evaluated surface energies and polarities, thermodynamic predictors for the dispersibility (enthalpy of immersion), the adhesion between filler particles and polymer matrix in the nanocomposite, and for the flocculation behaviour of the particles in a rubber matrix (difference in the works of adhesion) were derived. These thermodynamic predictors improve considerably the compounding process of novel rubber nanocomposites with respect to target-oriented adjustment of rubber properties.     

Water‐induced mechanically adaptive behavior of carboxylated acrylonitrile‐butadiene rubber reinforced by bacterial cellulose whiskers

Water‐induced mechanically adaptive rubber nanocomposites were prepared by mixing bacterial cellulose whiskers (BCWs) suspension with carboxylated acerlonitrile‐butadiene rubber (XNBR) latex, followed by latex blending method. The introduction of BCWs into XNBR enhanced the tensile storage modulus (E') significantly, which originated from the formation of a rigid 3D filler network within matrix as well as the interfacial interaction between filler and matrix. The water uptake ratio of nanocomposite films increased with BCWs content, from 5.5% for neat XNBR to 54% for nanocomposite with 20 phr (parts per hundred rubber) BCWs. Upon submersed in water, the nanocomposite films showed dramatic decrease in E′, especially for which filled with high BCWs loadings. For example, E′ of nanocomposite with 20 phr BCWs was decreased by 98.04% after equilibrium swelling compared with only 52.02% for nanocomposite with 3 phr BCWs. The remarkable water‐triggered modulus changes are attributed to the disentanglement of BCWs network after swelling. The prepared XNBR–BCWs nanocomposites with mechanically adaptive properties could contribute to develop the new type of rubber‐based smart materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:58–65, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Studies of nanocomposites based on carbon nanomaterials and RTV silicone rubber

The mechanical and electrical properties were investigated for nanocomposites based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conductive carbon black (CB). Solution room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber was used as a matrix. Vulcanizates based on CNTs and CB was prepared by solution mixing. With the addition of 2 phr of CNTs to the rubber matrix, the Young's modulus increased by 272% and reached as high as ～706% at 8 phr, whereas the modulus increased only 125% for CB specimens at 10 phr. Similarly, the electrical properties at 5 phr content of CNT were ～0.7 kΩ against ～0.9 kΩ at 20 phr CB. The Kraus plot from equilibrium swelling tests shows that the high properties for CNT specimens are due to high polymer–filler interfacial interactions, the small particle size that improves the distribution of the filler in a highly exfoliated state, and high electrical connective networks among the filler particles. These improvements can especially influence medical products such as feeding tubes, seals and gaskets, catheters, respiratory masks and artificial muscles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44407.     

Influence of ionic liquid on the polymer–filler coupling and mechanical properties of nano‐silica filled elastomer

The natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites were fabricated by filling ionic liquid (1‐allyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium chloride, AMI) modified nano‐silica (nSiO₂) in NR matrix through mechanical mixing and followed by a cure process. Based on the measurements of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, it was proved that AMI could interact with nSiO₂ through hydrogen bonds. With the increase of AMI content, the curing rate of nSiO₂/NR increased. The results of bound rubber and dynamic mechanical properties showed that polymer–filler interaction increased with the modification of nSiO₂. Morphology studies revealed that modification of nSiO₂ resulted in a homogenous dispersion of nSiO₂ in NR matrix. AMI modified nSiO₂ could greatly enhance the tensile strength and tear strength of nSiO₂/NR nanocomposites. Compared to unmodified nSiO₂/NR nanocomposite, the tensile strength of AMI modified nSiO₂/NR nanocomposite increased by 102%. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44478.     

Self‐crosslinkable lignin/epoxidized natural rubber composites

Self‐crosslinkable lignin/epoxidized natural rubber composites (SLEs) were prepared through a high‐temperature dynamic heat treatment procedure followed by a postcuring process. Because of the ring‐opening reaction between lignin and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), lignin as a crosslinker and reinforcing filler was uniformly dispersed into the ENR matrix and was highly compatible with the polymer matrix; this was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The curing behavior, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of the SLEs were studied. The results show that the crosslinking degree, glass‐transition temperature, modulus, and tensile properties of the SLEs substantially increased with the addition of lignin. A physical model was used to verify the strong interactions between lignin and ENR. Stress–strain curves and X‐ray diffraction suggested that the reinforcement effect on the SLEs mainly originated from lignin itself rather than from strain‐induced crystallization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41166.     

Mechanical and swelling behavior of green nanocomposites of natural rubber latex and tubular shaped halloysite nano clay

Nanocomposites based on natural rubber latex as the matrix and naturally occurring tubular shaped nanoclay, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as the reinforcing phase were prepared through co‐coagulation method. XRD, morphology, mechanical, and solvent transport properties of the nanocomposites with special reference to weight percentage of nanoclay were analyzed and discussed in detail. Matrix–filler interaction was estimated from Kraus, Cunneen–Russell, and Lorentz–Park plots. Theoretical estimation of reinforcement effect revealed a better interaction between rubber and filler at lower concentration of filler. At higher loading properties decreased due to the formation of filler–filler networks than polymer–filler networks resulting in the reduction of aspect ratio of fillers. Properties of nanocomposites depend on the aspect ratio and volume fraction of reinforcing filler. Morphological analyses of the nanocomposites were done in detail from scanning electron micrographs. Theoretical modulus of nanocomposites was computed using different composite theories by varying the aspect ratio of filler and compared with experimental data. A good agreement between experimental and theoretical values was observed at lower concentration of filler. Solvent transport properties of nanocomposites were found to decrease at lower concentration of HNT because of the tortuosity of the path. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:602–611, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers