Structure-Property Relationship of a Thermoplastic Vulcanizate (Tpv)/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites Prepared Using Maleic Anhydride Modified Polypropylene as a Compatibilizer

Abstract

Abstract Thermoplastic vulcanizate(TPV)/organoclay nanocomposites have been successfully prepared by melt intercalation method. Maleic anhydride modified polypropylene has been used as a compatibilizer. The TPV/organoclay nanocomposites have been characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). The nanocomposite as evidenced by X-ray diffraction is an intercalated one. The nanocomposites exhibited remarkable improvement in tensile and storage modulus over their pristine counterpart. The dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that the glass transition temperature of the polypropylene phase of the nanocomposite is increased (compared to its pristine counterpart), whereas the EPDM phase remains same. The nanocomposites showed improved solvent resistance over its pristine counterpart. The structure-property correlation of the nanocomposites is attempted.