Nanofillers organization nanocomposites properties

ENGAGE is an ethylene-octene copolymer. Ray and Bhowmick [70] have prepared nanocomposites based on this copolymer. In this study, the nanoclay was modified in situ by polymerization of acrylate monomer inside the gallery gap of nanoclay. ENGAGE was then intercalated inside the increased gallery gap of the modified nanoclay. The nanocomposites prepared by this method have improved mechanical properties compared to that of the conventional counterparts. Preparation and properties of organically modified nanoclay and its nanocomposites with ethylene-octene copolymer were reported by Maiti et al. [71]. Excellent improvement in mechanical properties and storage modulus was noticed by the workers. The results were explained with the help of morphology, dispersion of the nanofiller, and its interaction with the mbber. 

On the other hand, Bhattacharya et al. have reported the plasticization effect of organically modified layered silicates on dynamic mechanical properties [13]. In this work, nanocomposites of SBR have been prepared using various nanofillers like modified and unmodified montmorillonite, SP, hectorite etc. It has been observed that the Tg shifts to lower temperature in all the nanocomposites, except for systems from hectorite and NA. This is due to the fact that clay layers form capillaries parallel to each other as they become oriented in a particular direction. Due to wall slippage of the unattached polymer through these capillaries, the Tg is lowered, which could be even more in the absence of organo-modifiers [13]. A similar type of plasticization effect is also noted in the case of the low... 

On these bases, it is clear that the achievement of the improvements above reported is first based on the ultimate distribution and dispersion of nanofillers. However, also the control of nanofiller particles organization, in aggregates and agglomerates, plays a key role. To pursue advanced properties moving from the nanocomposite structure, the multiscale organization of nanofillers in the polymer matrix has to be assessed. 

The synthetic mbber is widely used, this type of elastomer have important properties and numerous application due to stability. These properties are favored when the synthetic mbber is reinforced with organic nanoparticle as carbon nanombes, nanofibers, graphene, and fuUerene, among other [78-80]. These may or may not be modified nanofiUers surface for subsequent incorporation in the matrix, promoting greater interaction between inorganic nanofillers and polymeric matrix, thus improving the thermal stability of the nanocomposite etc. [81, 82]. 

---