pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: Nanocomposite Materials & Processing
Poster Presentation
 
 

Influence of Nanofillers on Carbon Dioxide Uptake of different TPE based Composites

Gallaun Uwe (1), Laske Stephan (1)*, Wehrl Markus (2), Holzer Clemens (1)

(1) Montanuniversitaet Leoben - Leoben - Austria, (2) wfk - Cleaning Technology Institute e.V. - Krefeld - Germany

This study reports the effect of nanofillers on the carbon dioxide uptake of thermoplastic elastomer based composites. The use of nanofillers has developed rapidly over the last years because of their great potential of improving material properties with only a small amount of filler. To achieve best physical and chemical properties, a very good dispersion of the nanofillers, the correct structure in the polymer matrix and a good bonding at the interface is essential. The aim of this project is to show if various nanofillers can reduce carbon dioxide uptake. Different Polymers (Nexprene, Elastollan- and Santoprenetypes) incorporated with different filling degrees of nanolayered silicates, zeolite or cellulose fibers were prepared with a HAAKE Rheomix lab mixer followed by a forming process to produce testing plates of 2 mm thickness. The plates were exposed to super critical carbon dioxide in an autoclave at 10 MPa and 38°C for one hour. Afterwards the testing plates were placed in a solution of BaOH to measure the amount of CO2 absorption. CO2 changes the properties of polymers in an unthrifty way, because molecules can be imbibed into the matrix, inducing swelling and plasticization as a result of enhanced mobility. Therefore nanofillers were used to reduce the uptake of CO2 and limit the influence on mechanical and chemical properties. Significant differences in the CO2 uptake were shown between the fillers and materials. Nexprene has a small CO2 uptake and fillers can not reduce the uptake anymore. Elastollan- and Santoprenetypes showed different uptake depending on type and filler. These results are relevant to evaluate the potential of nanofillers to reduce CO2 uptake.