pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S10 - Polymer nanocomposites and nanotechnology
Poster Presentation
 
 

Evaluation of Mechanical and Morphology Properties of Halloysite Nanotubes Reinforced Thermoplastic Elastomer

ONER TUGCE (1)*, OZKAL BURAK (1)

(1) Istanbul Technical University, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Department, 34469 - Maslak-Istanbul - Turkey

Thermoplastic elastomers are biphasic materials which have the rubber-like response at ambient temperature while having easy processing and recycling features like thermoplastics. They display the combination of superior mechanical properties and low-temperature flexibilities. Recent efforts on the nano-scale fillers to enhance properties of TPE showed that even low content of nano-scale filler has brought an improvement in the mechanical properties and thermal stability[1]. Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) have become attractive filler because of developing the mechanical and thermal performance of the polymers, and more easily dispersion in the matrix owing to their limited contact area and rod-like geometry compared with other nanoparticles such as fumed silica and montmorillonite[1]. Moreover, HNTs’ unique crystal structure is consisted of layered aluminosilicate and resembles those of carbon nanotubes in term of aspect ratio. In the present study, 10-20-30 phr of HNT was utilized for the preparation of SEBS/PP/oil based TPE by twin screw extruder and injection molding approaches. In order to evaluate the influences of HNT’s nanotubular structure on the mechanical, thermal and morphology properties was made a comparison with the preparation of TPE blends incorporated of commonly used spherical shaped elastomer fillers such as silica and calcite. The results have been seen that HNT filled TPE has a remarkable improvement in tensile and tear strength, elongation at break, abrasion resistance and compression set value of the elastomers compared with those of other blends. The increase in mechanical properties is correlated with the distribution of the nano-scale fillers in the PS domains within the polymer. Based on the thermal studies via DSC it has been concluded that HNTs have facilitated the crystallization of PP due to the heterogeneous nucleation that may be also shown as an evidence of improved mechanical properties. Reference 1)Martin, Z., Jiménez, I., Gómez,M.A., Ade, H., Kilcoyne, A.D., 2010. Interfacial interactions in PP/MMT/SEBS nanocomposites. Macromolecules 43, 448–453. Acknowledgement This work was supported by Arcelik A.S Central R&D.