Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of organomodified halloysite/epoxidized natural rubber nanocomposites: a potential flame-resistant adhesive

The physicochemical properties of organomodified halloysite nanotubes (OHNT)/epoxidized natural rubber with 50 % epoxidation level (ENR-50) were subjected for evaluation in this study. Several OHNT/ENR-50 nanocomposites with different weight ratios of OHNT to ENR-50 were prepared via solvent casting technique. The influence of OHNT on the physicochemical profile of the nanocomposites was elucidated via thermal, morphological, and nanoindentation characterizations. Both XRD and FTIR analyses suggested that the ENR-50 was mainly absorbed onto the surface of HNT via hydrogen bonding. SEM analyses revealed complete homogenous dispersion of OHNTs in the presence of ENR-50. The thermal decomposition profiles of the nanocomposites indicated an improvement in the maximum decomposition temperature (T-max) upon increasing the OHNT content. The mechanical aspect of the nanocomposites showed that the hardness (H) and reduce modulus (E-r) of ENR-50 were also increased with incorporation of OHNT. Limited oxygen index test reveals that the prepared OHNT/ENR-50 nanocomposites are classified as self-extinguish materials. The OHNT/ENR-50 nanocomposites hold potential application in flame-resistant coatings.