nano-clay

A ternary nanocomposite containing natural rubber, butadiene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber (NR/BR/SBR blend) was prepared in 25/25/50 (phr), on which the effect of adding carbon black, nano clay )C15A), and nano-silica was examined. Rheometric, tensile, and hardness measurement tests were performed on the prepared samples. The nano silica-containing sample showed an inhibitory effect in curing, while the modified nano clay-containing sample showed an accelerating effect on the curing process. The results revealed that the presence of nano-silica caused higher elongation at break. TEM analysis was performed from cross-linked samples to ensure the exfoliation of nano additives in the matrix. The results confirmed the suitable distribution and dispersion of the nanoparticles in the composite samples.

Solid waste disposal and accumulation from various packaging materials made of synthetic polymers have led to intensified environmental concerns during the last decades. However, extensive research has been conducted on bio-nanocomposites as an alternative material for synthetic polymers in packaging applications during recent years. In this study, gelatin-based films modified with nano-caly and chitosan are proposed for food packaging. Nano-clay is used to improve various features such as mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties. Also, chitosan is added to the gelatin matrix for anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. The as-prepared nanocomposite films were characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. Also, tensile strength, transparency, swelling behavior, water contact angle and permeability tests were performed. Based on the results, increasing nano-clay up to 5 wt. %, results in 25% tensile strength enhancement in the nano-composite film. Higher nano-clay contents led to strength decline. Elongation at break is reduced by increasing the nano-clay content from 25% to 40%. The contact angle was also reduced by increasing the nano-clay content from 95o to 90o showing a small hydrophobicity reduction.

Conducting polymers, because of their special properties, are used to introduce conductive polymeric composites. Also, clays have recently been used for preparation of polymer composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. The aim of this work is to study the synergetic effect of the co-presence of conducting polyaniline and montmorillonite in the polyethylene matrix. Polyethylene /montmorillonite /polyaniline nanocomposite was prepared by in-situ polymerization of polyaniline in the presence of PE and MMT. All nanocomposites contain 5wt% of OMMT and different amounts of conducting PANI vary 5, 10, 15 and 20wt%. Electrical conductivity was measured and characterized by FTIR, DSC, SEM, XRD and DMA.The thermal behavior of PANI chains in the nanocomposites was investigated by DSC and it was observed that OMMT causes a remarkable increase in thermal stability and it improved mechanical properties. SEM and XRD patterns clearly showed dispersal of PANI and exfoliation/intercalated in the polymer matrix.