Preparation and properties of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS)-clay hybrids

Styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene triblock copolymer (SEBS)-clay hybrids were prepared by melt blending SEBS and organoclay using an internal mixer. Maleic anhydride modified SEBS (SEBS-MA) was used as a compatibilizer. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that silicate layers of the clay were partially exfoliated and dispersed at a nanometer scale in the polymer matrix. Enhanced mechanical properties of these hybrids were observed from tensile and dynamic mechanical tests. Thermal degradation temperature of the hybrids was increased compared with pristine SEBS. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.