Mechanical and morphological properties of halloysite nanotubes filled ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer nanocomposites

Abstract

The EVA/HNTs nanocomposites have been synthesized by solution casting technique with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 phr HNTs loading. The mechanical properties, thermal decomposition, dynamic mechanical properties of these nanocomposites are reported. The scorch time, cure time and maximum torque increases marginally on the loading of HNTs; however the curing rate index decreases. The interactions between EVA matrix and filler HNTs are evaluated by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study. The SEM images of cryogenically fractured EVA/HNTs nanocomposites show that the roughness of the fracture surface increases with the increase in HNTs loading. The effects of HNTs loading on tensile strength, elongation break and tensile modulus of these nanocomposites have also been reported. The tensile strength and elongation break of nanocomposites increases with increase in HNTs loading up to 5phr and afterwards a decreasing trend is observed. The tensile modulus shows an increasing trend up to 5phr and decreases up to 7.5phr HNTs loading. The good dispersion of HNTs into the EVA matrix is validated by SEM analysis. The tan δ_max values of nanocomposites decreases up to 5phr HNTs loading and then increases which may be due to filler-filler interaction at higher HNTs loading.