Thermoplastic Elastomer Nanocomposites Based on PA6/NBR

Abstract

Abstract Thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites (TPE nanocomposites) based on PA6/ NBR/Cloisite 30B were prepared through a direct melt mixing process in an internal mixer. The effects of NBR content (10, 30 and 50 wt.%) and nanoclay loading (3, 5 and 7 wt.%) on morphology and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites have been studied and compared with unfilled PA6/NBR blends as well. The TPE nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and mechanical properties. XRD results suggested that the nanoclay is exfoliated into the TPE nanocomposite matrix. TEM image of the PA6/NBR/nanoclay composite showed partial exfoliated structure of silicate layers dispersed through the both NBR and PA6 phases. The SEM photomicrograph of PA6/NBR nanocomposite showed an increasing of the rubber particles size in comparison with unfilled PA6/NBR TPE. By presence of nanoclay, improved modulus of the prepared TPE nanocomposites was achieved. DSC studies showed that loading of the nanoclay reduced the degree of crystallinity of the nanocomposite samples.