Characterization of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide)/layered silicate clay hybrids obtained by melt mixing

In recent times, polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites have drawn a great deal of attention because they often exhibit tremendous improvements in material properties compared with virgin polymers or conventional micro or macro-composites. In the present study, nanocomposites were developed from organically modified clay and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate-co-carbon monoxide) by melt mixing. FTIR spectroscopy reveals that the interaction between the organoclay and EVACO is thermodynamically favored. High resolution wide angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to study the morphology of the nanocomposites. Elemental mapping by scanning electron microscopy indicates good dispersion and distribution of the nanoclay in EVACO matrix. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites are optimum at a clay loading of 3%.