Clay Intercalation and its Influence on the Morphology and Transport Properties of EVA/Clay Nanocomposites

Nanocomposite membranes based on poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) copolymer (18% vinyl acetate content) and two different organomodified clays have been prepared by mechanical mixing using two roll mill method. The morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated using small angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical and thermal studies were also performed using universal testing machine and differential scanning calorimeter, respectively. Samples with low filler content Polymer showed excellent dispersion of layered silicates resulting in a partially exfoliated structure. The diffusion and transport of organic solvents through the membranes have been investigated in detail as a function of clay content, nature of solvent and clay, and temperature in the temperature range of 28-70 degrees C. The influence of free volume on the transport properties of the membranes was studied using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The solvent uptake was minimum for composites with 3 wt % of filler, and it get increased with increasing filler content, which is presumably due to aggregation of clay filler at higher loading. The transport phenomenon was found to follow an anomalous mode. Activation parameters were estimated, and the molar mass between cross-links was calculated. Finally, the experimental transport data were compared with theoretical predictions.