Ethylene-octene copolymer (Engage) - Clay nanocomposites: Preparation and characterization

In this work, preparation and properties of nanoclay modified by organic amine (octadecyl amine, a primary amine) and Engage (ethylene-octene copolymer)clay nanocomposites are reported. The clay and rubber nanocomposites have been characterized with the help of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The X-ray results suggest that the intergallery spacing of pristine clay increases with the incorporation of the amine. The XRD peak observed in the range of 3-10 degrees for the modified clay also disappears in the rubber nanocomposites at low loading. TEM photographs show exfoliation of the clays in the range of 10-30 nm in Engage. In the FTIR spectra of the nanocomposite, there are common peaks for the virgin rubber as well as those for the clay. Excellent improvement in mechanical properties, like tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus, is observed on incorporation of the nanoclay in Engage. The storage modulus increases, tan 8 peak decreases, and the glass transition temperature is shifted to higher temperature. The results could be explained with the help of morphology, dispersion of the nanofiller, and its interaction with the rubber. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.