Synthesis of Mineral Nanofiller using Solution Spray Method and its Influence on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of EPDM Nanocomposites

• Published in: Polymer-plastics technology and engineering 2009-10, Vol.48 (10), p.1078-1083
• Main Authors: Mishra, S., Patil, U. D., Shimpi, N. G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Mechanical properties; Minerals; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Sprayers; Sprays; Synthesis; Technology of polymers; TEM; Thermal properties
• ISSN: 0360-2559; 1525-6111
• DOI: 10.1080/03602550903092492

Calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) nanoparticles were synthesized by solution spray of CaCl 2 and NH 4 HCO 3 with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a stabilizing agent. Synthesized nano-CaCO 3 of 20 nm and commercial CaCO 3 (40 mircron) were reinforced in EPDM rubber composites of by varying 2-10 wt% of loading. The rubber nanocomposites were prepared on two roll mill and molded on compression molding machine and were subjected to characterizations like mechanical and thermal. The results were then compared with fly ash (10-60 wt%) filled EPDM rubber composites. It was found that with increase in wt% of nano-CaCO 3 loadings the mechanical and thermal properties of EPDM rubber nanocomposites increases drastically. Improvements in properties were due to uniform dispersion of nano-CaCO 3 into the rubber chain. It means that nano-CaCO 3 gets exfoliated within the rubber chains uniformly. It is also due to fine size of nano-CaCO 3 (20 nm) with uniform transfer of heat during vulcanization, which keeps the rubber chains intact on cross-linking. Results of commercial CaCO 3 and fly ash filled EPDM composites were found to be very inferior over nano-CaCO 3 filled EPDM rubber nanocomposites even though the amount of loading nanofiller was less (2-10 wt% of loading) compared to fly ash of 75 micron (10-60 wt%).